A Short Story by J.F. Penn
A Midwinter Sacrifice
When the ancient spring runs dry beneath the streets of Bath, the goddess Sulis awakens, and she's thirsty for blood.
Beneath the city of Bath, an ancient spring is running dry, and the goddess who sleeps beneath the crypt needs to drink once more.
Above, a young busker works the Christmas market beside the Abbey, hoping for a hot meal and a bed.
Between them lies a stall of strange lead tablets, a staircase that was not there before, and a midwinter debt that has been paid the same way for two thousand years.
Someone must pay the price for the waters to flow.
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The research behind the book
Sulis, goddess of the waters of Bath
Before the Romans arrived, Celts worshipped Sulis at the hot spring that still feeds the city. The Romans merged her with their own goddess as Sulis Minerva rather than replace her.
Learn more → Words of powerThe curse tablets of the Roman Baths
Real lead tablets inscribed with maledictions were thrown into the spring by Roman-era petitioners and are displayed in the Roman Baths museum today.
Learn more → Climbing the wrong wayThe angels of Bath Abbey's west front
Carved angels ascend Jacob's Ladder beside the great window, and at least one famously appears to be climbing down.
Learn more →Krampus, the shadow of St Nicholas
The Alpine goat-demon carries a birch switch and a basket for stolen children, a reminder that older spirits lurk behind festive tradition.
The Bath Christmas Market
Each December a warren of wooden chalets fills the streets between the Abbey and the Roman Baths with mulled cider, artisan gifts, and buskers.
