Stories from the Gibbet

Saturday 1 August 2026 — The Railway Inn, Helsby

Stories from the Gibbet was a guided heritage walk created for the Festival of Archaeology 2026.

Beginning at The Railway Inn in Helsby, the walk explored the history, archaeology, geology and folklore of Helsby Hill and the surrounding landscape.

Kin commissioned Dr Nicola Russell Johnson of Writing Doctor to develop and perform the storytelling element. This later became the publication Stories from the Gibbet. I wrote the introduction, bringing together the local research and wider context for the project.

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Find out more about Writing Dr

A separate walk booklet was also created for participants. This brought together historical and archaeological research, maps and route information, including GIS-based mapping to help interpret the landscape along the walk.

The event combined researched interpretation, creative storytelling and landscape exploration, with opportunities for participants to ask questions and share local knowledge.

Watch the full Helsby Heritage Hike

What this project explored

How can landscape, research and storytelling work together to help people see a familiar place differently?

How can local knowledge sit alongside archaeological interpretation?

How can a physically demanding heritage experience be opened up to people who cannot access the landscape in person?

The walk was free to attend and was also streamed for people unable to join in person. Afterwards, participants returned to The Railway Inn for tea, scones and conversation.

Stories from the Gibbet formed part of Kin by Nettie’s Festival of Archaeology programme and was supported with grants through the Protos Community Benefit Fund and the Council for British Archaeology North West.

Dee Radio and the local press kindly promoted the event.

Listen to Nettie on Dee Radio

“Poor old Bill, I was rooting for him to escape from prison. Now I'll see him hanging there every time I look up to Helsby Hill.”