The Hob of Elsdon | English Folklore

In this video, I head to the village of Elsdon in Redesdale and tell the story of the Hob, or Hobthrush, that was known to live upon the old castle hill. This serves as a good example of a typical story involving hobs, brownies and household spirits, regarding how they eventually leave a dwelling having being gifted clothes.
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The Jolly Reiver is my project aiming to preserve and promote the forgotten folklore and history of rural Britain. Primarily focusing on folklore and legends, you’ll not find me trying to deconstruct these old stories or trying to rationalise them with science and psychology. Instead I will present them as they were always told by our forebears, and leave the conclusions up to you.
British Folklore
English Folklore
Northumbrian Folklore
Northumberland Folklore

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

Lovely! Hobs respect hard work, and while pay is forbidden, compliments are appreciated.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Yes :-)

[@elizabethmcglothlin5406]

@@TheJollyReiver But only for the work, not the hob! "How lovely the butter is!" or "How beautiful the kitchen is!" Never quite directly to the hob himself!

[@danielkaufmann15]

​@@TheJollyReiverThe German version of the Hobthrush is called "Heinzelmännchen" They helping the poor people in the nighttime too, but they are coming in small groups. The "Kobold" tends to be evil and likes to torture people.

[@RingaDingDingDong]

These videos leave me with an enormous sense of well-being. I can't wait to finally visit my ancestoral home of England one day. Until then, these videos will help tide me over.

[@dorothyscott-douglas3576]

Loved this video of Elsdon. My birthplace.

[@n.c.108]

When I retire, I would love to roam the old country sides of U.K.

[@tufty7663]

Don't leave it till you retire, do it now if you can. If you leave it to late things get in the way. ⛺.

[@dagreatstoney.5869]

Yes do it ASAP

[@gra4279]

Make yearly trips to check it all out in parts!

[@hughgrection7246]

OI ! YOU GOT A LIOCIONCE FOR THAT DAYDREAM ERE MATE ?

[@gra4279]

@@hughgrection7246 i just read that in the aussiest accent ever

[@momatmach1]

Thanks for your videos, a sense of belonging to these islands ,it’s history and folklore, all of these are important and should be kept alive through the generations.

[@TheJollyReiver]

My pleasure :-)

[@StaffordshireFolklore]

Fantastic video, the Elsdon castle is an impressive sight, the shot of you running up it really gave it an effective sense of scale. It's a shame they offended the hob, it must have made their lives a great deal more difficult. I wonder where he walks today, and if he's helping someone new.

[@RedcoatsReturn]

An excellent story my friend 😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😉👍👍 Hob is a very, ancient name linked to magical creatures and even the devil himself. That place near the hill was very beautiful indeed and its great to hear a new view of this hardworking Hobthrush goblin. It was a shame that the Hob was insulted by the good meant new cloths. Was it a parable..don’t treat your workers or even slaves…too well 🤔😉

[@dickgray123]

I grew up in Elsdon, I never heard about the hob, good story.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Thank you :-)

[@smartman123]

love visiting places like that

[@TheJollyReiver]

:-)

[@dihexa7256]

Millions of people have probably seen “hobgoblins” in video games, but I’m sure very few people would be able to explain where the term originates from, or the difference between a goblin and a hobgoblin. The algorithm seems to be blessing this content, so hopefully lots more people will learn about the Hob.

[@ghostcasebook1266]

I loved the story of the helpful Hob of Elsdon. That church was fascinating! What an interesting story about the sword marks and the horse skulls. Beautiful scenery too; very green at this time of year. Thank you so much ❤

[@jimbo6693]

Another brilliant upload .👍

[@lovelyskull3483]

Thank you

[@NoName-lo9ym]

Phenomenal quality video mate, this is rhe kind of thing the BBC would have given its right arm for in the early 90s before it went over the cliff 👏👏

[@thewoodlander9868]

Utterly fascinating, thank you. I'm keeping all of these to show my grand children.

[@TheJollyReiver]

I’ll have to do one from your neck of the woods one day!

[@thewoodlander9868]

@@TheJollyReiver more than welcome here anytime.. a few tales in this neck of the woods..

[@feralbluee]

the Elves and the Shoemaker almost word for word. 🧚🏽‍♂️🧚🏻🧝🏼👩‍🎤🧒🏻🌷🌱

[@terrytao7640]

Great work friend

[@bessiemann7468]

Such a beautiful place

[@duncanself5111]

Professor Tolkien would be proud of your work on English folklore

[@TheJollyReiver]

Thank you :-)

[@elfprincessplume2515]

What a beautiful place! This is a very pretty village and the country around it is stunning. Love these old stories and the histories behind the places.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Thanks for watching!

[@violetmoonofthenorth]

Great video.. love Northumberland ♥️✨

[@HuffinStufff]

1st time here. KZbin recommended a banger. Update turns out I was already subbed. I gotta lay off the devils lettuce.

[@TheJollyReiver]

:-)

[@relphyboy7533]

Need to do some more Yorkshire folklore

[@TheJollyReiver]

I do!

[@johnoliver2359]

Thanks so much for covering this, having spent all my childhood in Elsdon, I loved the way you highlighted the village and it's history & folklore.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@williamdaliege1016]

I have only just discovered this channel, and have only watched two of your uploaded videos -- this, and ''The History of Telling Ghost Stories at Christmas'' -- and both were absolutely wonderful. Your narration, the images you choose, the history, the mood... Just excellent. I cannot ''like'' them enough. I look forward to watching more of your content. Thank you, so much, for sharing these.

[@jacksmall-ow4rp]

Absolutely love this channel thanks for the new upload!

[@amb163]

Wonderful video! I was just watching one of Tony Robinson's "Walking Through History" episodes where he's travelling St. Cuthbert's Way, so this fits right into the context.

[@redwoods7370]

This channel is fascinating for me, an American. Never heard of a reiver or a hob. Love looking up all these things. Thank you.

[@heatherboardman7004]

You need to read up on on the Border Reviers. Absolutely fascinating history

[@timsedmunds]

Castle Hill in Thetford, Norfolk is very much bigger and older. Thetford was where Baldacci had her home aswell. The coins of the realm were made here one time too. However, thanks for a very interesting video and BTW I love your work! Look me up if you're ever in Thetford!?

[@connorricketts1323]

fantastic video the castle was impressive loved the folklore and story thank you for keeping the storys alive and your stories are well presented im glad i found this channel its a gem love folklore and i like the places you visted that are in the stories and love when you vist old places like thisim happy i found this channel its the best and you tells folklore and stories well listening to your voice is nice and relaxeing feeling

[@TheJollyReiver]

Thanks for your continued support mate

[@damianjones7554]

That was excellent

[@waxa7290]

This is great. Keep this up!

[@scallopohare9431]

Aw, poor hob that did not want new clothes!

[@schizoidboy]

You got beautiful photography in this video and shows in the surroundings and the history you describe.

[@ooklathemok]

Really pleased to have found your channel. It is unique and informative and the subjects are fascinating. Thank you

[@TheJollyReiver]

Glad you’re enjoying!

[@ooklathemok]

@@TheJollyReiver you are welcome I particularly liked your Christmas episode in front of the fire. I really wish I had a fireplace of my own

[@bonniecassler7214]

Not only do I love your videos,but it's a visual joy to behold the gorgeous English countryside! 1157,wow,America was only a vast wilderness, populated by indigenous tribes. Please keep these videos coming.

[@anthonyhardy2946]

Fantastic Thanks Absolutely Brilliant 👏

[@jrpone]

Jusr found this channel and you're so underrated, I like how you're presenting things no one is really talking about, British folk history...love it.

[@daflondon]

Great work, thoughtful and well made. Thanks!

[@TheJollyReiver]

Cheers man :-)

[@Thelwyd]

Fabulous video

[@smartman123]

i see in England and Scotland and Ireland there is not to many forests mostly rolling green hills beautiful

[@AdamTurnbull-xd3nf]

there forests in England

[@mwilson7842]

Ireland used to have more forests.

[@smartman123]

@AdamTurnbull-xd3nf I know what they call the screaming forest in England I watch documentary about it

[@AdamTurnbull-xd3nf]

never herd of the screaming forest .will have to take your word on it

[@smartman123]

@@AdamTurnbull-xd3nf thank you

[@ashtonwinter1616]

Absolutely beautiful scenery and historic sights with incredible history told. Very much enjoyed and appreciate your wonderful work, thank you most humbly.

[@mjrchapin]

What amazing history lessons!

[@crusader2112]

A great video. Keep up the great work. 😎👍

[@TheJollyReiver]

Cheers mate

[@visitingdeadadventures]

It dose make one wonder about the horse skulls,it open your mind to think about it ..awsome story ..

[@ladoboyo5452]

Solid video mate. I don't think I could have rolled down that hill as fast as you ran up it.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Excited for the view!

[@cornyhorsecornhorsington7522]

I love your channel so much . Even when you were duke of Avalon I would just let your channel play through quite often. Thank you.

[@censusgary]

The Hobthrush tale is a cousin of the more famous story of The Shoemaker and the Elves.

[@The_Cosmic_Yog-Sothoth]

"Robin Goodfellows" also known as Pucks are the equivalent entities in southern England.

[@attalion_1475]

beautiful video! how I would love to have a hob in my home… maybe it’s time to leave a small bowl of porridge next to the fireplace!

[@RinpochesRose]

Its worth a try !

[@decab8292]

Excellent video, I'm surprised you didn't pop up to Winters Gibbet while you there. Our family surname "Bowman" originated in Northumberland. And we haven't moved far from our roots. I believe my farther had a cousin who was a Charlton. Thanks for your stories, Subscribed !

[@colinmclean7787]

love your videos mate,iam in scotland the videos have sort of changed the way i think of the borders,but i sort of knew they were a breed of there own,north and south of thre border

[@colinmclean7787]

I can tell u..not my incoherent pish when I was drunk..but I get a feeling when I enter Northumbria..I can't explain it but it has a special atmosphere.ive been a few times and I stick by that.....on another thing we had been at haggerston castle....we went to Alnwick and my mum who had never done anything like this in her life...she got a feeling

[@peternicholson1700]

Great story about the hob. Enjoying your videos very much. Was see surprised to hear about the border reivers.

[@AdamTurnbull-xd3nf]

does remind me of the cauld lad of Hylton

[@TheJollyReiver]

We’ll definitely have to cover that!

[@PersonA2Zed]

Love this latest video. Thank you.

[@lunevalleyparanormal]

I’ve just discovered your channel Enjoying the content thank you for some great videos

[@TheJollyReiver]

My pleasure :-)

[@mickpearson6184]

Love your channel

[@zos253]

loving your stuff and glad i found it as its all the areas i grew up. look forward to seeing more about this area

[@TheJollyReiver]

:-)

[@TADER8]

Recently found your channel. Been binge watching your content. Brill stuff! Looking forward to more of your travels and stories to be told. Bravo! Well done!

[@MartyJackson]

Have been really enjoying your content, man. Thanks for producing it, I hope to see your channel grow even more over the near future.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Cheers mate :-)

[@suecrowhurst4393]

Very interesting , can’t wait for the next one

[@VirideSoryuLangley]

Fairies are notoriously strict about their privacy. Maybe the hob wasn't so much offended by the new clothes, as from the realisation that the elderly couple had been spying on him. I've read stories of people being blinded because they saw something they shouldn't have...

[@dougquaid]

I work in this area, I had no clue, it’s steeped in folklore.

[@FFNfishyfortnite]

If you think the elsdon motte and Bailey is one of the best intact normal earthworks in England you should visit buttercrambe

[@TheJollyReiver]

Will do for sure!

[@samanthalowrey1717]

Thank you for this I live in otterburn will have to go into the church thanks for the history

[@TheJollyReiver]

:-)

[@crazychicSHENA]

Elsdon 🏰 tales❤😊

[@garyburns2831]

Eliots of Newcastleton part of my ancestral riever history the other burns

[@Tyler.i.81]

I need a hob in my home.

[@nadiabrook7871]

I wonder if there are any hobs still around?! I wouldn't mind one to help with the housework!! Thanks for the GREAT video!! 👍❤💗🧝‍♂️🧝‍♀️

[@TheJollyReiver]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@magdatorruellas9122]

Yes there are…

[@BirdsfromHuntingdon]

Gonna drink a Hobgoblin to this 🍻

[@_the_wessex_nomad_]

Enjoyable and insightful as always! Good work 👍

[@schmiddy1473]

Jsut found this channel and I’m absolutely loving it. I grew up in Cumbria and know many of these places well, and it’s great to re indulge in our local folklore.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Cheers mate :-)

[@entrepreneursfinest]

I have a hob infestation. Every night I have a couple drinks and the next thing I know I'm waking up to find that they've drank all my scrumpy and it feels like they've beaten me horribly.

[@Seraphim91]

The very same story is told in West Cornwall, except that he is called Piskie, and he helps the old man and wife with threshing the grain. They give him a new suit of green cloth, because he is dressed in rags. Before he disappeared he sang "Piskie fine and Piskie gay, Piskie now shall fly away".

[@lotlot8667]

Fantastic video, just discovered your channel and will Become a subscriber, keep up the good work

[@LTPottenger]

Wow, I could use a Hob around here.

[@RinpochesRose]

I imagine that sharpening a sword or knife INSIDE a church would be seen as an intimidatory act. Or would they have felt some divine protection from doing this in that sacred space? Either way, its creepy and a massive piece of local history.

[@ymotechnopopfan]

In Japan, there are some household spirits such as the Zashiki Warashi.

[@Cavalier_history]

Looks like a great video. Will you ever return to blanchland ?

[@TheJollyReiver]

I will! Most likely in November/December

[@Cavalier_history]

@@TheJollyReiver fantastic! There was something I really liked about blanchland. Thanks for making these videos.

[@TheJollyReiver]

@@Cavalier_history my pleasure :-)

[@RyanSeven1111]

Hobbs are Amanita Muscaria mushrooms. A little examination and it is quite apparent.

[@davidcrawford8583]

Reiver can you do a video on the Hedley Kow?

[@mattmclafferty6265]

👍👍👍

[@kazzer115]

Need some stone-wallers up there... looks like the Farmers aren't looking after their walls!

[@DaveWoods-ku5em]

I met him once I gave him a marble

[@Whatever4690]

Well around where i live is was the lambton worm which was the local myth.

[@BlackCat8969NZ]

I would love to buy a book of these stories about Hobs and Brownies. Have you found one that you use as the basis of your content?

[@RinpochesRose]

We used to read these stories in small pamphlets which we collected on days out. All the local information places had them and they still do, I think. Tons of stories like ‘The Long Pack’ and ‘The Hand of Glory’ which happily gave us all the creeps 🙂

[@user-hz7pr8lc4v]

Iam off hear today

[@magdatorruellas9122]

Actually Harry Potter is the LAST thing that comes to mind when I start to think of the wee…

[@pixie706]

Did you visit the gibbet

[@Rick_Cleland]

Mmmmmmm... 🤔🤔🤔

[@picklerick8785]

I'd guess that the marks on the church were caused when it was stripped of all the Catholic decorative work by Protestant goons under one of the Tudors, rather than border reivers sharpening swords, since slashing a rough stone pillar is a guaranteed way to dull your blade, not sharpen it. Makes for a suitably bloodcurdling story, though.

[@Free-Bodge79]

The castle would have been pretty active when Willy the Bastard subdued the North or genocided it.! Depends which blood line you had. If it was Anglo-Saxon, you were on the Sharpe end of the Norman pointy metal things .😣😥😔

[@Tyler.i.81]

Why did the hob need a bowl of milk when it could have just suckled it straight from a cow's udder.

[@speakupriseup4549]

You missed a GOLDEN opportunity to pop in a garden gnome peeking out from behind a bush

[@timsedmunds]

I hate the way these phones change the words from what you type in to what it wants to put! It was Baudicca I actually typed, sorry!

[@jvanvuren5399]

new hat, new hood, paying taxes is no good

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

There is still a lot of Paganism embedded in Christianity, it's inescapable.

[@garbeal2397]

You have a real talent for presenting really enjoy your videos and love seeing stories from this great county i live in Northumberland.

[@TheJollyReiver]

Glad you’re enjoying!

[@QigongGreyDragon]

Ive never seen a Hob Thrush but I'm sure I've seen a Nob Thrush 🤣👍

[@YokRzeznic]

Stumbling through YT vids to find out I am descended from Reivers...