The Tale of Billy Blind
There are many tales about Billy Blind, and as is the way he also has many names. He is a small household spirit or brownie and usually appears in ballads as a wee fella who advises others on what to do.
The Origin Story
In one story, Billy advises Willie that there is a witch who is stopping his wife from giving birth to their child. (The witch happens to be Willie's mother) Billy instructs Willie to create a wax baby and give it a christening, his mother is so incensed that her curses had not worked she gave away everything she had done. Once Willie knew what his mother had done Billy helped him to undo the magic and his wife finally gave birth.
In another ballad 'The Knight and the Shepherds Daughter' - after an unchivalrous knight pesters a shepherds daughter into having sex with him, he then rides away. Billy Blind helps her track him down. Once they find him, the shepherds daughter demands he marries her. The knight refuses until Billy tells them that she is actually of high born status, maybe even royalty, and then he gives in and marries her!
Key Locations: as Billy Blind is not from a singular area here are some interesting places to visit in the North
An iconic castle ruin, once one of the largest and grandest fortifications in Northern England. The castle dominates one of the most beautiful stretches of Northumberland coastline. It is reached via a beautiful walk from the nearby village of Craster.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Home to the Pennyman family for over 400 years, Ormesby Hall, garden and parkland is a green oasis on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. This classic Georgian mansion is surrounded by 240 acres of parkland and farmland, which offer year round seasonal walks with a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion.
Ormesby Hall
Hadrian's Wall, an epic structure, kept the unwanted out and the welcome safe. Making use of the natural Whin Sill escarpment, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Roman Empire’s best-maintained outpost in northern Europe. Nestled within Northumberland National Park, it really is quite a treat. There are invigorating walks and breathtaking landscapes.
Hadrian's Wall
Continue Your Journey Through Storied Landscapes
Explore another legend from North East England and the Scottish Borders.
Next story: The Kelpies