The World of Phil Rickman

Friends have often asked me why we moved to Herefordshire. I could easily tell them it was because of its beauty, the rolling hills that provide its magnificent backdrop, the friendliness of the people, its history, the glorious food and the peace and tranquillity that comes from living in England’s least populous county.

And all of that would be true but the real reason we live here is because I fell in love with Herefordshire through the writing of Phil Rickman.

Phil had been a reporter before he, too, moved to this area and it was here that he wrote, in my opinion, one of the finest series of novels that have ever been set in England - The Merrily Watkins novels.

Phil had a capacity to write thoughtful, complex works where there is always ambiguity about what might actually have happened, but through these 16 novels, the real star is Herefordshire and the surrounding counties. He was able to capture its beauty, its mysteries - of which there are a lot - its folk-traditions, its people and dialogue and I became intoxicated by it all, even before I had ever visited.

Discover the enchanting allure of Herefordshire, a region that captivated the author through the evocative writing of Phil Rickman's Merrily Watkins novels. Beyond its stunning landscapes, welcoming locals, rich history, and delicious food, Herefordshire offers a unique opportunity to explore the real-life settings that inspired these beloved stories. Follow in the footsteps of literary and musical giants, delve into fascinating folk traditions, and uncover the secrets of this captivating English county. Come and experience the beauty, mystery, and charm that make Herefordshire a truly special destination.

Phil taught me the secrets of the county. One of the remarkable things about the series is that with the exception of the village where the main protagonists live, every place mentioned exists and can be visited or, at least, viewed. My wife, daughter - both of whom are as enchanted by the series as I am - and I have spent many happy days going to some of the places that Phil used in his books, and we still have many to visit.

So, if you want to follow in the foot-steps of William Wordsworth, Edward Elgar, Arthur Conan Doyle – who spent time at the real Baskerville Hall, which is here and not in Devon; if you want to learn about wassailing and why you have to be very careful when attending an orchard wassailing (see below) event or want to discover Alfred Watkins, the foremost authority on Ley Lines (see below) in England or to hear of the folk histories of Herefordshire that Ella Mary Leather curated or how to build the perfect acoustic guitar, then do come and visit.

All this and more awaits you – and did I mention how wonderful the food, drink and people are?

Further Information

Phil Rickman (1950-2024) was a critically acclaimed British author, primarily known for his popular "Merrily Watkins" series of supernatural crime novels. Born in Lancashire, he spent much of his life in Wales and the Welsh border country, which heavily influenced his writing. Before becoming a successful novelist, Rickman worked as a journalist in print, TV, and radio, even winning awards for his reporting. His writing often blended elements of crime, mystery, and the paranormal, earning him comparisons to Stephen King early in his career. The "Merrily Watkins" series, featuring a female Anglican priest who also works as a diocesan exorcist in Herefordshire, became his most recognizable work, praised for its atmospheric settings and unique premise. Rickman meticulously researched the folklore, history, and supernatural aspects that featured in his books, stating that he wouldn't include anything he couldn't believe himself

Wassailing is an ancient custom, traditionally practiced in cider-producing regions of England, that involves visiting orchards in mid-winter to sing and make noise to encourage a good harvest for the coming year. It often involves toasting the apple trees with cider, hanging toast in the branches, and making loud noises to ward off evil spirits.

Ley lines in England are a concept popularized by amateur archaeologist Alfred Watkins in the 1920s. He proposed that ancient sites, such as churches, stone circles, and other landmarks, are often aligned along straight lines across the landscape. Watkins believed these lines were remnants of an ancient system of trackways or energy lines used by prehistoric people for navigation and possibly spiritual purposes. While the existence and significance of ley lines are debated by mainstream archaeology, the idea continues to fascinate many and is often associated with theories about Earth energies and spiritual connections to the land.

About Graham

Graham has had a long and successful career including spending a lot of time in the United States.