A Strange Historian
Born in the mid-1980s, Alex’s academic path was forged in the rich soil of British history. A youthful fascination with the tales of King Arthur ignited a lifelong passion, drawing him into the realms of myth, legend, and the often-overlooked strange stories woven into the fabric of British culture.
While studying history, he developed a particular fondness for J.R.R. Tolkien’s ambition to create a mythology for England, a project which resonated deeply with his own interests. He admired Tolkien’s ability to blend linguistic expertise with deep historical knowledge, weaving intricate narratives that felt both ancient and profoundly relevant.
Though a historian by training, his curiosity extended beyond the strictly factual. He developed a keen interest in the supernatural, not as a believer, but as a collector of stories. He saw within these tales a reflection of the human condition, a mirror to our hopes, fears, and the enduring need to make sense of the world around us.
From ghostly apparitions in Victorian tunnels to the misty moors of Devon where stars emerge over ancient landscapes, he found the essence of these tales in the landscape and history of Britain. He studied various accounts of myths and legends, from the Kelpies of Scottish lakes to the Green Man, a face formed from leaves, that appears in English architecture.
His academic rigor grounded his explorations, ensuring a healthy skepticism towards the claims of the supernatural. For him, the charm lay in the stories themselves, in the cultural quirks and the odd tales that have been passed down through generations. He embodies the scholar who seeks not to prove or disprove, but to understand and preserve the unique tapestry of British history, both seen and unseen.
Britain is a strange place, with a strange history, and filled strange people. Alex loves to explore these people and their stories with interest, and affection. After all, aren’t we all a little strange at times?