And finally, the show is back on the road. Huge thanks to everyone that has stuck by me and patiently waited for my return. Obviously as this is my first video in this format it certainly won’t be perfect. But we’ve all got to start somewhere! If you’d like to support my work, you can do so via Patreon with a monthly subscription which will give you some benefits and perks, or you can give a one-off donation via PayPal. Your help is greatly appreciated as it aids me with travel costs, entry fees, and purchasing old source material. Links in the description.

Fantastic... thank you. This is a truly important subject, and you are doing an incredible job of keeping our history alive. Shared.

"You won't catch me trying to deconstruct these stories and belittle the people who believed in them." Breath of fresh air. Thank you so much for that. Cheers from the US, cousin.

The quality of this video is top notch, seriously, I can see why you decided to take some time to reimagine the channel. I think you made the right decision, these investments in a proper camera, sound and editing software really make the difference. It all paid off. It feels documentary quality. The filming angles, editing and transitions are really good, and I imagine will only get better in future episodes. The music is really amazing, I especially love the bit when you are going through the graveyard, just fantastic. For the future of this channel, I think it has really good prospects of appealing to both people interested in folklore and history such as myself and also a wider audience. For example, I think the ghost story videos will draw many from a larger pool to your channel. You could even do seasonal videos such as a Halloween special or a Christmas special. Anyway, this video is really well made and I look forward to what you have planned for the future. Watch and you will be amazed as to how much you will improve as you go on, and that will be improvement from an already great start. These stories being recorded will ensure they will live on. Cheers!

Thank you for preserving the stories and being a vessel of culture and heritage. I have ALWAYS loved that you refrain from deconstruction and rationalizing these precious tales.

Deeply atmospheric, flowed with mystery, evoking an uncanny feeling of the past. Left wanting more.Very well done .Thank you 👏

Well done . It's very important to preserve British folklore , this is our heritage .

The Harding Crest reminds me of the Clegane Family Crest from A Song of Ice and Fire (Yes the Overgrown Gnome is never going to finish those books but at least Sandor was a good character). Giants as you mentioned are extremely common in English folklore, so much so that in America the Creator of Hellboy took several elements of the Folklore and wrote a version of the Wild Hunt that was a bunch of Gentleman's Club Occultists who wore the head of Herne the Hunter and would go around and hunt the giants when they awoke putting their taxidermy heads on the walls. It was actually a big plot point all things considered in the series. Folklore is our memories so thanks for preserving and encouraging them. Our myths, folklore and such may have elements that seem fantastical but there is always some level of truth to them regardless of how something may or may not have shifted or changed overtime or less caring hands. Also in regards to giants people think giant=tall as a house, but in a lot of folklore unless its something supernatural like a god, spirit or something like that usually ends up being upper 6 feet to like 8 or 9 basically a basketball player in height. There are tales of giants in Patagonia (South America) that were supposedly much the height you mentioned with the thigh, then you have Bigfoot in North America who is actually described as being Rust color or even blond and only around 6 feet (they were giant to the relatively short Amerindians not the European settlers). So a lot of those sorts of changes can be attributed to artistic liberty and pop culture. I have a friend who is around 5'8 who describes me as a giant I am only a little over 6 feet but despite the less than a foot height difference I look way bigger than him in pictures so the idea that a family that trended at around 7 feet would be called giants is actually pretty darn likely and may have even been considered to have "giants blood" makes me wonder if they were also known for nature magic like people with giant blood are said to be able to do at times. Thanks again. Glad you're back!

Excellent! Welcome back JR. Sigma phenotype right there. All you need is a flat cap and you'd look proper old school cool. Your camera work and switching is excellent, nice flow and presentation too.

I still look out for the Black Dog near Littleport!

Intriguing video as always. For if no one preserved the heritage and history of England, then England would cease to exist. I look forward to your upcoming videos, especially based in the North.

Amazing video, beautiful background music and a perfect treat as we head into autumn, can't wait for more! ❤

Excellent relaunch of your channel!

Brilliant. 👏

Great video. I love our old castles. Just being amongst the ruins and touching the old stone is so thought provoking.

absolutely beautiful what you say is so important keeping your english traditions and stories thank you greetings from a seanchai here in ireland we are the last ones left to tell the stories of our ancestors

Great to have you back can't wait for more amazing story's

I thought I recognised the photo you posted. I live within spitting distance of the manor. Excellent video mate. Great to see you presenting too. You're a natural.

Gosh loved loved loved this! It was great you took us to the actual place. I so love local history and such quirky stories. I did have to look up about the Derwent Valley as we have a river Derwent close by in Derbyshire too. Giants are interesting and remind me of Atlantis/Hyperborea. I once read that we have so mant giants in folklore because it's an ancient folk memory that our ancestors were really like that

So excited for this!

Your return has exceeded all my expectations. Such a vitally important and fascinating subject. You are going to make this a truly great channel.

Enjoyed this ,keep it up.

Love the intro. I enjoy hearing the legends and traditions of our heritage for what they are without someone trying to explain away everything and denigrating our ancestors' beliefs or faith.

Great to see you back making great content mate

Simply...splendid. Thank you. Smiles and serenity.

Loved the presentation, great to have you back

Woohoo! You're back. Looking forward to some more Folklore from Merrie Olde England.

I found your channel tonight when searching for videos on British folklore and I really enjoyed it. I live in Japan now but I miss home a lot and it's nice to learn about and appreciate the folklore of our country and ancestors!

Thank you for this insight. My 16th great-grandfather was Roger Harding, Lord of Hollinside. Greetings from the United States.

Great stuff. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to more of your work.

Fantastic start to the new look channel. Really made the story come to life seeing you tell the story from the original setting.

im so glad ur back! it feels likeim actually with u, walking through these ruins and very comfortign

the countryside is so beautiful. your histories, although spare, are full of mystery and a legendary feeling history - especially the way you relate to it. . . thanks so much. very glad i discovered your channel. 🌷🌱😊

Absolutely fantastic - great to see you back. I do love the stories and folklore concerning giants. I 100% agree with you about how important it is to preserve our folklore in story (or even in song), when something is dismissed by so called 'experts' as being untrue or nonsense, it disenchants, dismantles the story, and as a result it becomes forgotten, and the land its related to also becomes disenchanted, and sometimes abused. We need to re-remember all our stories, and the ancient mythology related to our land, they re-enchant us, as well as the land itself. Looking forward to your next video. Take care.

This is excellent work. You have a great talent for bringing these subjects to life. Your pride and professionalism shine through. Well done, sir!

Fascinating. There's actually a giant at Thirsk Museum in Yorkshire. You can visit the bones as they're in a case. The giant was found nearby and measured around 7ft at a time when people were smaller than today, so this person would have stood out. Bones are in the Reynolds Room there. The biggest British giant was apparently the 'Cor Giant' of about 21ft, from Northumberland. Britain is actually littered with giant lore. But as with most cases the bones generally end up disappearing with only footnotes in old books or newspapers of long ago. I think it's hugely important to acknowledge such history as part of British culture. But the vast majority of people would rubbish it as they've been taught to dismiss and ignore a lot of the ancient history of these islands. But the Thirsk 'Anglo Saxon' giant is at least tangible.

Also i really do think its logical that monsters, giants other being do and did exist. Its just the lens through which we view the world which has changed.

Mate - I've been watching your content for a long time and without a doubt - you have one of the best folklore channels on here - thoroughly researched and I love the new presentation. Best of luck with the return of the channel!

These visits are a great idea…brings the story to life…and…shows attractive regions and towns to visit….as well…as the history you share too 😊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏😊👍👍😉

Enjoyed this video first one I have seen.

I walk here all the time (live near Eighton Banks) and Hollinside Manor fascinates me. Thank you for making videos about Gateshead medieval history!

Just wonderful. 😍 great upgrade 😀 I have always intuitively known that legends of long ago do hold some grain of the truth ✅ Bravo 🥂 on the entire upload 😁

WOW!!!! ✨ This new format is excellent! ❤️ It shows all the commitment and the dedication you have put into this project! It was great to visit the places with you and to have such a detailed mini documentary! I wish I could see you on TV! You are doing a very important and extraordinary job. We are our memory and your ancestors would be proud of you. I can't wait for another video!!! 😍 Congratulations for this new beginning and lots of luck for this fantastic project! ❤️ 🍀✨🎊🎉

It is great to have you back! Looking forward to your next video

I live within walking distance of Hollinside Manor and had no idea of this legend of the giants. Also I used to work in the school founded in 1718 beside St Mary's Church and regularly took the children to the church on visits on visits. I know Harry Clasper the famous oarsman is buried there. You paused at his tomb. Also the man who wrote the music to Old Lang Syne. There is also a tale of Lang Jack who was a local stone mason, very strong, a statue of him is in the village of Whickham. Your video was of very good quality in picture and sound, thank you

amazing video and amazing story really loved the muse and atmosphere can't wait for more amazing story's

Great presentation. Loving the new format. I could definitely see this on TV one day.

Splendid to see you getting amongst the scenes of your tales. I remember both your channels from a few years ago. Keep up the good work mate.

A wonderful introduction to the new format. Well presented and delivered!

Thank you so much for sharing history that is often forgotten. I live in County Durham so i really do appreciate it mate 👍🏻

I recognize that voice! Perfect time to come back as it's getting comfy outside. 🙂

As you say all old stories and legends start from people telling them to their children or family gatherings from the past. I thank god we can still get the chance to hear them from narrator's who have researched the archives or old books thankyou for doing this . Like you I like going round graveyard's the older the better. 😊

You have a gift for narration and presentation in your videos! This is such incredible work! Thank you, Reiver! I would love to go metal detecting there, imagine what you could find!

What an amazing video, especially for your debut video since the relaunch ! The only way this channel is going to go is up. You are doing very good work and I'm eagerly excited for more.

Thank you for the story it's a very interesting tale i'd never heard before, well done.

Amazing video, well done! And such lovely music ❤

50 seconds in and I'm crying. I have waited for this day for so long!! 💚💚💚 Ok, came back to edit after watching it fully and I am so impressed 🤩 It reminds me of my fave Time Team Classics with a spooky twist! It exceeded even my wildest expectations, and was well worth the wait. You're the David Attenborough of folklore! Professional and down to earth at the same time. Perfect!

Excellent video, always nice to see the North East talked of and put on display. For it is so often overlooked in folktales of England and other such ventures.

Too many channels focus on so called evidence of the paranormal. I find this kind of content much more interesting because it gives insight into the history aspects.

Loved this, and this will make you chuckle but loving the wellies! 😂 coulda had walking boots but nah, gid auld wellies tae the fore! Ad say by the size o the doors in the Manor that the Hardies werena that tall or they liked ducking ;) Great stuff, look forward to more.

So beautiful to hear 🌟♥️💥☀️💚🌿🌿

I'm really quite impressed and would like to encourage you to continue in this manner. Thank You.

Really glad to see you back and the new format works great.

I will continue to follow with much eagerness

Well done on your first new-style video, Mr Reiver. Welcome back, and looking forward to future vids. Also nice to finally put a face to voice😄😉👍🏼

All your videos that I have seen so far have been very interesting and your presentation is great. Thankyou and all the best❤️🕊️🦆

So glad your back! Really like the new format. And I completely agree, so much folklore is usable or comes from versions of reality long lost in today over stimulated world.

The point you made about folklore being dismissed as nonsense, only for it to be discovered that there was some truth to it, is a very good one. That's what happened with a lot of the Indigenous oral histories here in Canada, such as the location of Franklin's lost ships, or Turtle Mountain (which tragically destroyed part of the town of Frank in a landslide in 1903) being "the mountain that moves." As for the story in this video, an underground tunnel with hidden valuables really isn't too unbelievable, and maybe the 'giants' could have been a family with many instances of gigantism, like Robert Wadlow. Even if there were only a few people in that family who were really tall, stories about them could have been passed down through the years and exaggerated until they became legends.

I really enjoyed this video. Very professional, interesting, and well made. I hope you keep making them! Greetings from America ^_^

Cheers duk.. I mean jolly! Loved your old stuff, personal favourite is the shreiker but this is off the charts! So profesh

Really great. I'm enjoying the work you've done very much indeed! 🌟👍

Well crafted video. It truly celebrates storytelling and feels like a foray into new territory.

Really enjoying your videos. Thank you very much.

Great video! Thank you for your time and research spent on the Family and their legacy.

Thank you for keeping these stories alive, eagerly awaiting the next one!

Great video and interesting folklore of our lovely area of the north 🍂✨🏰

Welcome back buddy

Excellent video! Looking forward to more!

Welcome back! This was exciting to see the new format! You have a real talent for bringing the stories to life. I've been gathering collections of folklore tales over lockdown. I found your channel looking for info on the Gytrash creature mentioned in Jane Eyre. Look forward to the next video! J

Excellent video. Good to see you back making content.

Excellent vid! And a great tale! Well worth the wait. Reminds me of Beaurepaire Priory not too far from there!

I liked the old format and I like this one even more... I like to learn about the past of our European ancestors, historical truth of course but also the legends and the mentality of the people.

I’m loving this exploration into history. Thank you for sharing all of your hard work and your findings.

Good to have you back man! I love the calm & slow pace of the video & music! It shows respect for the lore! & It's great how you never try and explain away folklore with a modern scientific perspective, it's really un-necessary! Your channel is unique in that respect! I was sure you were going to come across an absolutely huge grave there in Wickham! I wonder if those Harding lads knew our Yorkshire giants Wade & Bel!

Very enjoyable watch and I’m loving the other videos on your channel; can’t wait to learn more

Just started following your channel and I think its really good.

Am watching again

Very insightful. Thank you for the content

fantastic video and wonderful information on the old foklore and tales .... thank you for helping to keep the spirit and magic alive in britain

I have always found this subject to be fascinating. I think giants once did exist, just too much evidence in favor and not enough evidence against - or maybe I'm just a dreamer... Whichever, *so* *good* to see you again! I have missed your videos!

I am new to your channel and I just subscribed. There are so few young people that wants to preserve history like that (I fear) and I thank you very much fot doing it.

Just discovered your channel. Absolutely epic content my friend. As someone from the same region it’s extremely interesting to hear of folk lore in England but especially around the North as it’s rarely mentioned. Consider me a fan! There’s a book by Terry Deary wrote before he was famous called The Devil In Durham which has a couple of tales in their although it is in his Horrible Histories style.

It's so great you are back! The new format looks really impressive! Besides, it's so delightful to go back to that special place at the crossroads of the historical reality and the realm of mistery and wonder. And of course, the importance of the British folklore preservation cannot be overstated. Keep up the good work!

It's great what you're doing here. So many old tales and history are permantly lost. Such a shame. Well done on an excellent video. Now subscribed, and looking forward to many more such tales. Keep up the great work.

I love your videos. Thanks for all the great work 🙏👍

Awesome ❤you did a great job just found your channel and I love it ! thank you😊

Amazing...i just found your channel ❤ it. On other channels they have spoken to church member's & local historians to help find graves ect. ❤

A really good video and very exciting for me because it's local! We don't get many mentions in the derwent valley but I think it's an amazing place filled with so much history and culture. I imagine most places are too but this is special to me because I've lived here my whole life. I've been looking for a book like this for so long and now I've found one thank you! The most I'd found is the story of the hedley kye, which come from the village right next to mine which is interesting and I'd like to know it's origin but this video is a whole nother level. If there is a story about chopwell in this book I'd love to see a video on it. Wish I could like this video ten times.

This channel is absolutely amazing 👏

Very interesting video, as I've just found out that the Harding family were my ancestors. Might have to go and visit Hollinside Manor. Thank you