About

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

Folklore of Scotland: Faerie Folk and Folk Horror published in 2026

In 2026:

Stephen is giving a talk at Words by the Water, Keswick on Wednesday 11th March

https://www.wordsbythewaterkeswick.com/

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/

Exploring tales from Stephen’s new Folklore of Scotland book:

https://folkloreofscotland.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