We think this photo, taken on 30 July 1942 in Bodmin, of Mrs Oliver and her son, aged three, is particularly cute!

Do you have a favourite teddy bear? Let us know in the comments!

#nationalhugabearday #hugabearday #teddybears

Also shown here is the covering letter for the admission of Susan Tubb to St Lawrence’s Hospital and an account of events from the St Mary's Methodist Church account book.

@exploreyourarchive #eyareligion

They set up their own chapel and a number of the members of the Society joined them. Elizabeth was the conductor of the church, but shortly after her death (probably 1828) it ceased to be a chapel and most of the members returned to their old society. The building was then converted into two houses.

The Shouters chapel was set up by sisters Elizabeth Downe and Mary Downe. They were members of Truro Wesleyan Society, which met in Kenwyn Street. They were asked to leave when they began shouting out during services and refused to desist when requested by the minister and other worshippers.

One document is an admission into St Lawrence’s Hospital (the mental health hospital for Cornwall) for Susan Tubb, a housewife aged about 40 of St Clement. What is really interesting is that the supposed cause of her illness was “in consequence of her attendance on a religious sect named shouters”.

It’s free and fun for all ages, so come down to Kresen Kernow for some spooky fun!

@ali_hoswell #CornishFolklore #HalloweenInCornwall #FamilyEventsCornwall #StorytellingWorkshop #KresenKernow #CornwallWithKids #SpookySeason #CornishCulture #CreativePlay #ThingsToDoInCornwall

🎶 Music and games – join in with parachute games, rhythm and movement to bring Cornwall’s creatures to life.

🗣️ Learn Cornish words – discover a sprinkle of the Cornish language woven into the storytelling.

🧙‍♀️ Spooky story time – hear enchanting tales of witches, giants, monsters and wizards inspired by Cornish legends.

🎭 Imaginative play – explore themed play areas and create your own magical adventures.

🎨 Arts and crafts – make your very own spooky Cornish creation to take home.

Whether mythical or real, Cornwall’s ‘monsters’ tell powerful stories about belief, fear and identity. Come and explore them with us!

Thanks to one of our volunteers for writing this post.

@exploreyourarchives #eyamonsters #witchcraft #folklore #cornishfolklore

On a more serious note, we hold a 1675 deposition from Martha Lewes of East Looe, accusing her mother Jane Lewes of witchcraft - a chilling glimpse into Cornwall’s past.

📜 In the archive collections, you’ll find everything from folk tales and charms to real-life accusations of witchcraft. One example is a 1930’s calendar designed by Sarah Enys, filled with stories of fairies and spells, including a love charm!

Our library’s folklore section includes beautifully illustrated books including ‘Faeries’ by Brian Froud and Alan Lee - a treasure trove of legends and myths. 🎥 And yes, if the creatures remind you of the 1980’s film Labyrinth, you're spot on - Froud was a concept designer for the movie!

Did you know that pixies (or piskies) and spriggans are believed to have originated in Cornwall?