Page 33 - Oundle Life March 2025

BEWARE
GOBLINS?
Polebrook’s folklore history
This charming seventeenth century home in
Polebrook offers buyers a chance to own a
piece of history, and maybe help re-home a
goblin or two? Bear with me on that one…
With original features alongside additions
from the 1800s, as well as artefacts from local
landmark Fotheringhay Castle, this house is
an embodiment of the area’s historical
evolution.
Part of this building was a village
shop in modern history, meaning
that Clark Gable – stationed at RAF
Polebrook – may have stepped foot
in the building during World War 2. OK, so
perhaps this is wishful thinking, but frankly,
my dear, I don’t give a damn! The significance
of Polebrook goes back further than its role
in the Second World War, however. From
Roman and medieval settlements to goblins and
33
frankly, my
dear, I don’t
give a damn!
archaeological mysteries, Polebrook is an area as
rich in folklore as it is history.
The earliest mention of the village was in 972,
where it was referred to as ‘Pochebroc’, meaning
‘Goblin Brook’ in Old English. Anyone who
has had the privilege of visiting the village’s
beautiful All Saints Church, will be aware of the
many carved-stone heads that decorate
the building. These heads depict beings
that appear as part-man and part-beast,
with some having grotesque faces,
contorted features, and snarling teeth.
Some of these gargoyles are believed
to date from the thirteenth century – almost as
old as the church itself. Perhaps their creators
modelled them on a charming local who
lived under the bridge. Or maybe they were a
warning to visitors of the danger that lurked in
the surrounding countryside.