About Storied Landscapes

Welcome to Storied Landscapes, where folklore, history, and imagination come together to breathe new life into the ancient tales of the North of England, the Scottish Borders and more

My name is Anna Willows, and I have spent a lifetime captivated by the stories hidden within our landscapes. From windswept moorlands and ancient castles to quiet village greens and forgotten woodland paths, every place has a story to tell. Some are rooted in history, others in myth, and many exist somewhere in between.

So, what's the story....

As a historian, storyteller, and lifelong lover of folklore, I believe these old tales deserve to be shared with a modern audience. Here you'll discover faithful explorations of traditional legends alongside my own imaginative retellings that expand upon the characters, places, and mysteries that have fascinated generations.

What can I find?

Whether you're searching for fearsome wyrms, mischievous fairies, haunted castles, witches, ghosts, or the strange creatures said to lurk in the hills and rivers of the North, you'll find stories that entertain while remaining connected to their historical origins.

But Storied Landscapes is about more than storytelling. It is also about place.

Every legend belongs somewhere. The rivers, forests, villages, and ancient ruins where these stories were first told are as much a part of the tale as the creatures themselves. My aim is to reconnect these stories with the landscapes that inspired them, exploring the history, traditions, and communities that have kept them alive for centuries.

Here you'll find:

  • Reimagined retellings of traditional folktales and legends.
  • The historical background behind the stories.
  • Folklore archives and research.
  • Beautiful illustrations inspired by the legends.
  • Videos, podcasts, and storytelling.
  • Recommendations for further reading.
  • Inspiration to visit the remarkable places where these stories were born.

My hope is that Storied Landscapes becomes a place where curious readers, history enthusiasts, folklore lovers, and storytellers can explore together—discovering not only the myths of the North East, but the rich cultural heritage that continues to shape its identity today.

Thank you for visiting. I hope these stories inspire you to look at familiar landscapes with fresh eyes, because sometimes the oldest paths still whisper the most extraordinary tales.