The Baum Rabbit: Phantom Killer Bunnies in Lancashire Tradition
A curious and unsettling journey into Rochdale’s most unusual folklore, where an innocent-looking rabbit became a creature of fear in Victorian and early twentieth-century Lancashire.
Wednesday 15th April 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Event type: Virtual
Details:
The Baum Rabbit is one of Rochdale’s most intriguing and lesser-known legends. Recounted in Victorian and Edwardian sources, and even referenced in national publications such as Punch, this strange figure occupied a place in both local storytelling and wider British folklore.
In this illustrated online talk, historian Simon Young explores the origins and development of the Baum Rabbit tradition. Why did a seemingly harmless bunny become a symbol used to frighten children? And how does this story connect to a broader pattern of “phantom killer bunnies” reported across Britain?
Drawing on historical texts, dialect literature, and cultural context, the talk examines how folklore evolves, how fear is shaped within communities, and why such stories persist long after their origins are forgotten.
What may sound bizarre today was once part of everyday life. As late as the interwar years, children in Rochdale were still warned: “The Baum rabbit will get you.”
This session is hosted by the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society (LCAS) as part of their ongoing programme of free online talks.
Event Details
Date: 15 April 2026
Time: 3:00 pm (London)
Location: Online via Zoom
Join the talk using the Zoom link below:
https://duq.zoom.us/j/91806852265
There is no charge to attend. If you enjoy the event, LCAS welcomes voluntary donations of £2.50 or £5.00 via their website:
