About

Stephen G. Rae, alias the Bard of Cumberland; writer and folklorist; Haiku poet; contemporary artist and illustrator; and indie filmmaker.

contact: thefolklorepress@gmail.com

Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Stephen initially worked in science and agronomy; in the UK, Africa and Asia. 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.

Stephen has been writing on the folklore of his adopted Cumbria since 2020 in both Cumbria and Cumbria and Lakeland Walker magazines. His often I stop and look back book of Haiku poetry was published in 2024. Two folklore books in 2025: in July, Folklore of the Lake District; and in August, Boggarts, Brownies, Hobs and their Goblin Kin, an Encyclopedia of World Folklore; available in both print and ebook.

He is currently researching Scottish folklore and the folklore of Elves and Fairies for two books out in 2026, so follow The FolkLore Press @StephenGeoRae on X for updates.

Bard of Cumberland: https://bardofcumberland.com/

Land of Lore Films: https://www.youtube.com/@LandofLore