In today’s world, magical visitors such as Father Christmas and the tooth fairy remain part of popular tradition. However, in the past, the people of the North York Moors believed in a different kind of supernatural helper: hobs.
At the time, belief in fairy folk was typical among many of the ‘everyday’ folk of this region. Hobs, sometimes called hobgoblins, were fairy-like beings known for their helpful nature. Unlike elves, who were often thought to be mischievous or even wicked, hobs were frequently seen as benevolent spirits. They were believed to dwell in homes, barns, and caves, offering assistance to those who treated them well.
Hobs in Local Folklore
The North York Moors is rich with tales of hobs, and their presence is still reflected in place names across the region. In the 1820s, local man George Calvert set about collecting examples of the region’s folklore and recognised the importance of preserving these stories before they faded from memory.
He compiled this list of hobs and their associated locations in what became known as the ‘Calvert Manuscript’, providing a rare glimpse into local belief and tradition:
Lealholme Hob
Hob o’Trush
T’Hob o’ Hobgarth
Cross Hob of Lastingham
Farndale Hob o’ High Farndale
Elphi of Low Farndale
Scugdale Hob
Hodge Hob o’ Bransdale
Wood Howe Hob
T’Hob o’ Brackken Howe
T’Hob o’ Stummer Howe
T’Hob o’ Tarn Hole
Hob o’ Ankness
Crookelby Hob
Hob o’ Hasty Bank
T’Hob o’ Chop Yate
Blea Hob
T’Hob o’ Broxa
T’Hob o’ Pye Rigg
Goathland Hob of Howlmoor
T’Hob o’ Egton High Moor
How to keep a hob happy
Those lucky enough to have a resident hob had to follow certain customs to ensure the creature remained helpful.
Hobs were said to appreciate small offerings of food. However, a farmer’s wife could expect to feel their wrath should she swap their full-fat cream for skimmed milk!
It was strictly forbidden to spy on a hob and they also disliked being given clothing. Doing so would offend them and often cause them to leave, never to return.
The disappearance of the hobs
With the passage of time, belief in hobs waned, particularly as industrialisation changed rural life. As farming methods evolved and superstitions faded, the stories of these household spirits became folklore. Today, their presence lingers in local tales and place names.
Ryedale Folk Museum took part in an episode of BBC Radio 4’s series Mythical Creatures. You can hear that episode to learn more about hobs and the story of Elphi the Farndale Hob over on BBC Sounds.