Stephen G. Rae, alias the Bard of Cumberland; writer and folklorist; Haiku poet; contemporary artist and illustrator; and indie filmmaker.
Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Stephen initially worked in science and agronomy; both in the UK and Developing Countries. Upon returning from overseas he studied performance art, drama improvision and contemporary costume design; and then studied for a BA in Fine Art at Cumbria Institute of the Arts.
Since 2020, Stephen has been writing articles for regional publications on the subjects of folklore, ghost stories, traditions and customs, nature lore and dialect. As of January 2026, 63 articles in total. A wealth of folklore knowledge.
often I stop and look back book of Haiku poetry published in 2024
Folklore of the Lake District published in 2025
Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin, an Encyclopedia of World Folklore published in 2025
and all of the above available in both print and ebook
Coming in 2026
- Stephen is giving a talk at Words by the Water, Keswick on Wednesday 11th March
https://www.wordsbythewaterkeswick.com/
- The third in a series of folklore books, entitled Folklore of Scotland is due March 2026
- Folklore of Cumbria map is now available for sale
- The first Furness Book Fair celebrating the talent of Cumbria indie authors takes place on Saturday 28th March
Useful Links
For examples of Stephen’s art, illustration, poetry and film; and for the latest news, head over to the Bard of Cumberland:
Bard of Cumberland: https://bardofcumberland.com/
Folklore on film at Land of Lore Films, Stephen’s favourite ghost stories, folk tales and fairytales brought to life as ‘one minute films’:
Land of Lore Films: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofLore
contact: thefolklorepress@gmail.com
follow The FolkLore Press @StephenGeoRae on X for updates
The FolkLore Press 