In the dead of the night, when all people were sleeping: Ghosts in folk songs

Conway Hall: Where Ethics Matter

Traditional songs are full of folklore about ghosts. They tell you why people become ghosts, what ghosts look like, what the living must do to allow the dead to rest in peace. Paul Cowdell, folklore expert on ghosts and a fine singer, will be talking about ghostlore in and around traditional songs, and singing some. Songs may include ‘The Yarmouth Tragedy’, ‘The Unquiet Grave’ and ‘Polly Vaughn’. Paul completed his PhD at the University of Hertfordshire, where he was looking at contemporary belief in ghosts.