Of Doves and Ravens: The Witches and Wisefolk of Wales and the Borders

‘Of Doves and Ravens is a treasure trove of legend and lore, preserving the tales of Welsh magic and those who wield it. Stimpson has woven together stories of all kinds of witches and wise folk, firmly anchoring them in their regional, historical, and cultural context. A stunningly curated work, this book is sure to enchant anyone with a love of folklore, magic, and the majesty of Wales.’

Nicholas Pearson, author of The Witching Stones,

‘This is a delightful book that gives a window into the rich folklore and magical heritage of Wales. It forcefully demonstrates the value of local knowledge, and a reminder that the landscape is steeped in tales of the supernatural.’

Dr Tabitha Stanmore, Historian of early modern magic and witchcraft, author of Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic,

‘Ben Stimpson has produced an invaluable resource for anyone wishing to take a deeper exploration of the folklore of Cymru (Wales) and it's borders. Presenting lore, myth, and historical accounts of the shifting magical customs and traditions of the past; Of Doves and Ravens is essential for anyone who wishes to better understand the lore of Cymru, and is also of value to the discerning magical practitioner.’

Craig Spencer, Lancashire Witch and author of Witchcraft Unchained: Exploring the History & Traditions of British Craft,

‘Of Doves and Ravens is a love letter to the magical land and cunning folk of Cymru (Wales), a rich collection of folk and historical tales, and a glimpse into an ancient knowing that the world is filled with magic. This book offers a doorway into an oral tradition rooted deep in the landscape and way of life of real folk, including many tales of the people themselves. I love how Ben Stimpson illuminates that connection between locale and story, revealing true magic at home in places you can reach out and touch, places you can, and I in fact do, live in. This is a wondrous and comprehensive companion for storytellers looking for the cunning folk of this land, modern magical folk seeking the roots of our work, and lovers of Cymru alike, weaving a vivid picture of the evolution of that relationship between witches and magicians, stories, and the wild green land of Wales. As a storyteller and magician in West Wales this book is a feast that I'll be sharing with my ancestors of land and magic for a long time to come.'

Dr. Halo Quin, storyteller, modern pagan witch, and author of several books including Folktales, Faeries, and Spirits, Gods and Goddesses of Wales, and Storytelling for Magic,

‘A vivid, carefully sourced journey through the magical figures and folk beliefs of Welsh tradition—wise folk, witches, and conjurors deeply rooted in their landscapes and communities. Drawing from a rich well of original folklore texts and rare archival material, Benjamin Stimpson preserves the eerie strangeness of traditional lore while offering clear, thoughtful context. This accessible and affectionate tribute to a complex and captivating heritage will appeal to anyone curious about the entwined histories of magic, folklore, and place.’

Mark Rees, journalist, podcaster, and author of Ghosts of Wales and The A-Z of Curious Wales,

‘Congratulations are due to Benjamin Stimpson for crafting On Doves and Ravens, a treasure chest of narratives about the mysterious witches and wisefolk of Wales and the Marches. In this book the author has drawn together for the first time much information from many scattered and hard-to-find sources. The result is a sourcebook arranged by region that will be of permanent value for everyone fascinated by witches, conjurers, and other magical specialists.’

Richard Suggett, author of A History of Magic and Witchcraft in Wales,

‘A delightful jaunt through a landscape filled to the brim with magic, and charismatic magical practitioners. A comprehensive and enjoyable guide to the magicians and witches of Wales throughout the mists of time, this book will, I am certain, prove useful to lovers of myth, lore, and magic for generations to come. Stimpson has, in his exploration of the intricate connection between landscape and lore, brought the mystical and enchanting characters of our folk traditions and stories to life. Some of which rarely get the attention they deserve. I am so delighted that Wales' magical nature is being celebrated more and more by passionate authors in books like this one!’

Mhara Starling, author of Welsh Witchcraft: A Guide to the Spirits, Lore, and Magic of Wales and Welsh Fairies: A Guide to the Lore, Legends, Denizens & Deities of the Otherworld,

‘Wales is amazingly rich and varied in terms of its folklore. Much of this is unique, being found only within the borders of the country. But over the years, Wales has had a raw deal. It has suffered terribly from poor collection and interpretation of its folklore, often at the hands of incoming antiquarians from over the border who tarred the material culturally with an English brush, changing some of its narratives in the process and eroding that uniqueness.

Of Doves and Ravens is to be celebrated for both addressing this problem and redressing the balance. Ben’s work is thorough and sympathetic whilst being endlessly fascinating. It has the academic rigour you want from a book in the genre, whilst remaining highly readable and entertaining. Full of magic and joy, Of Doves and Ravens will enrich your knowledge of the folklore of Wales without you even realising: clandestine learning at its best!’

Mark Norman, folklorist and author, host of The Folklore Podcast,

‘I loved this book- accessible and excellently researched, Ben Stimpson takes us on a tour of some of Wales most magical folklore concerning witches and wizards. Handily grouped together by location Stimpson equally provides us with a trusty companion on the road and an excellent read by a winters fire. Entertaining and erudite- highly recommended!’

Danú Forest (MA Celtic Studies.) Traditional Wisewoman, Folklorist and Celticist. author of The Cunning Folks Book of Cottage Witchcraft,

‘Gathered with such diligence and passion, Of Doves and Ravens is a wonderful compendium of lore and magic pertaining to the enchanting lands of Cymru. Written beautifully, accessibly and filled with a wealth of resources, Ben has gifted the world a priceless tome that will inevitably be cherished. His ability to guide those interested in history and folklore through the fabulous exploits of various Witches and Cunning folk is to be commended, as well as his inclusion of the borders which have often been overlooked.’

Brett Hollyhead, Welsh Marches Witch, public speaker and author of Pagan Portals Sabrina: Discovering the Goddess of the River Severn,

‘This is a wonderful collection of folk stories about witches and magicians recorded in Wales over the past five hundred years, assembled with meticulous scholarly care: the most comprehensive ever gathered.’

Professor Ronald Edmund Hutton, historian specialising in early modern Britain, British folklore, pre-Christian religion, modern paganism and author,