Suffolk Tales 1 CD / booklet

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Narrated by Peter Davison
Written and directed by Shirley Bignell
IBSN 0-95399556-0-5

Atmospheric dramatisations of famous Suffolk stories are based on chronicles of the time.

Peter Davison narrates with the dialogue performed in authentic Suffolk dialect.

The Wild Man of Orford (16:10)
A hairy man is caught up in fishing nets off the coast of Suffolk. Who was he and where did he come from? The narrator leads us back to 12th century Orford, a town and port made wealthy from the trade in fish and wool. The story opens at sea where the Wild Man is caught up in the nets of local fishermen who take him to the garrison castle in Orford. The Wild Man does not speak and his silence is seen as suspicious; is he a spy or a devil? He is tortured and taken to the nearby church to test his response. Finally, with nets positioned across the harbour to prevent his escape, he is released into the water.
What happens next is unexpected. His story is told through the people whose lives he touches.

The Green Children of Woolpit (16:42)
Two green children are discovered in the fields near Woolpit in West Suffolk. They cannot be understood and refuse all foods offered. The villagers take them to the lord of the manor of Wyken where by chance they discover a food the children will eat. When they accept normal foods the children’s colour changes, but the boy weakens and dies. The girl, having learned to speak English, explains their origins and the journey to Woolpit, led by the enchanting sound of bells.

An accompanying booklet gives the historical context with scripts, the chroniclers’ accounts, an examination of the evidence, and points of interest on the historical and geographical background. The CD is suitable for all; young and old alike will be captivated by the strong storylines and varied presentation.


Two moving stories from the 12th century are featured on the CD Suffolk Tales. ‘The Wild Man of Orford’ and ‘The Green Children’ deal with strange creatures from elsewhere who challenge the generosity of the locals. An accompanying booklet gives the historical context and makes suggestions for using the stories within the literacy strategy at Key Stage 2. Told in a mixture of narrative and dramatised dialect, they bring the Middle Ages to life while making provocative connections with our own age.
Tom Deveson The Times Educational Supplement

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