Treasures on Earth
Buried Wealth in Landscape and Legend
Jeremy HarteUncovers the deep folklore of Britain’s buried riches, fears and desires.
From haunted barrows to ruined castles, Britain’s landscape is rich with tales of hidden treasure – stories not just of gold, but of ghosts, curses and forbidden knowledge. Treasures on Earth gathers hundreds of these traditions for the first time, showing how folklore, shaped by local memory and longing, has imagined wealth not merely as currency, but as power, danger and loss. These legends tell of dragons, demons and seekers armed with spells, but also of real hopes stirred by poverty, war and the mysteries of place. Through vivid storytelling and careful insight, this book reveals how treasure lore carries the emotional weight of history. In the end, these are stories not just about what is buried, but about why we still yearn to uncover it.
Uncovers the deep folklore of Britain’s buried riches, fears and desires.
From haunted barrows to ruined castles, Britain’s landscape is rich with tales of hidden treasure – stories not just of gold, but of ghosts, curses and forbidden knowledge. Treasures on Earth gathers hundreds of these traditions for the first time, showing how folklore, shaped by local memory and longing, has imagined wealth not merely as currency, but as power, danger and loss. These legends tell of dragons, demons and seekers armed with spells, but also of real hopes stirred by poverty, war and the mysteries of place. Through vivid storytelling and careful insight, this book reveals how treasure lore carries the emotional weight of history. In the end, these are stories not just about what is buried, but about why we still yearn to uncover it.
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Treasures on Earth is an evocative portrait of the landscapes inhabited by our forebears . . . [a] beguiling survey.
'Mail on Sunday
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Jeremy Harte offers the reader a narrative 'full of gold'. These are tales of caves filled with treasure, deep tunnels and chambers glittering with jewelled chalices and plate. Tracing stories by the thread of feeling, the author shows how much people throughout history depended on shared images.
'Geographical
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Jeremy Harte is one of Britain’s leading folklorists, and probably the most perceptive and humane, as well as erudite. All these virtues are displayed to the full in this book, which is a treat for readers at any level of knowledge.
'Ronald Hutton, Professor of History, University of Bristol, and author of The Witch: A History of Fear, from Ancient Times to the Present
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Treasures on Earth is a captivating exploration of the myths, legends and historical accounts surrounding buried treasures across Britain. Jeremy Harte delves into the human fascination with hidden wealth, weaving together folklore, archaeology and cultural history to examine how stories of treasure troves, guarded by supernatural beings like demons, fairies and ghosts, have evolved over centuries, reflecting societal values, fears and aspirations. This book is not just a collection of stories but a thoughtful analysis of how legends are shaped by history, geography and human imagination. Harte's engaging narrative and meticulous research make this book a treasure in itself, a perfect read for anyone interested in folklore, history and the enduring allure of hidden riches.
'Simon Costin, Founder and Director, Museum of British Folklore
Introduction
1 Memory: Treasures Known from Legend that Have Come to Light
2 Ruin: Treasures Concealed by Lost Races and Ancient Monsters
3 Strife: Treasures Buried in Times of War and Upheaval
4 Terror: Treasures Guarded by Demons and Uncanny Beings
5 Illusion: Treasures Disguised by the Deceptions of Fairies
6 Failure: Treasures Lost Forever through Weakness and Mischance
7 Regret: Treasures Hoarded in Ghostly Sorrow and Anger
8 Destiny: Treasures Reserved through Dream and Prophecy
9 Hope: Treasures and the People Who Long for Them
References
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Jeremy Harte is a folklorist inspired by landscape and stories of encounters with other worlds. He is the author of Cloven Country: The Devil and the English Landscape (2022) and Travellers through Time: A Gypsy History (2023), both published by Reaktion.
