crime – Allison Thurman

Vampires and alchemy and murder-investigating witches, oh my!

Have you seen the Highgate Vampire who has reportedly been spotted in the cemetery where revolutionary communist Karl Marx and TV presenter Jeremy Beadle are buried?: I think of the Highgate “vampire” as modern folklore rather than an actual creature but no less intriguing for its immateriality. Though of late only seen by occultists (I suspect the resemblance of their drawing to the famous picture of Aleister Crowley is no coincidence) I suspect a new movie could trigger all kinds of new sightings.
Alchemy in Art History? As Above, So Below: Part of Vice.com’s City of the Seekers about Los Angeles visionaries, this article covers the current Getty Research Center exhibit about the intersection of alchemy and art. Lots of luscious alchemical illuminations at the link. Some neat stuff at CotS as well.
Margaret Murray, Murder, and Witchcraft: Archy Fantasies podcast is new to me but this episode and a glance through the related blog suggests inquisitive skeptics are in charge. In this episode the hosts discuss archaeologist/folklorist Margaret Murray and her search for her theorized witch-cult. Though her theory was ultimately disproved she had a formative influence on modern Wicca, and at age 87(!) involved herself in a murder investigation in search of members of the “old religion”.

North Devon swear words from Elizabethan times in new book: I thought most Elizabethan swearing was blasphemous in nature – evidently not, at least in Devon. Most are insults, and the article appears to avoid the really juicy ones.
A horrible history as King’s Lynn features in Tudor murder files: Tudor criminals and state alike meted out punishments far more brutal and inventive than now.
Remains of playhouse where Hamlet was first performed gets protected status alongside other Elizabethan sites including three bear-baiting pits: Earlier than the Globe, The Theatre (that’s its name) dates from the 1570s. Article contains suggested plans for both The Theatre’s and The Hope (1610s)’s grounds, including nearby barns and gardens, a reminder that the theaters existed in a far more rural London than that of today.
$fractured ceramic item with round top and flat base, exterior glazed green$
16th-17th c. bird whistle found at The Theatre’s archaeological dig. Courtesy MOLA
Circlesnake Productions at The Attic Arts Hub Presents the World Premiere of “The Queen’s Conjuror”: New play opens in Toronto this week in which Dee has the visions and Kelley provides the interpretation.

Tag: crime