Sign in

Steph Lay

@stephlay.bsky.social
471 followers 519 following 401 posts

Folk horror, real ghost stories & parapsychology. I'm mapping Milton Keynes’ unlikely hauntings in my 'Revenants on the Redway' project, and I look after Content & Analytics for Into The Fog. Links! linktr.ee/stephlay

PostsRepliesMedia
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
This is so exciting! I'll be speaking for The Last Tuesday Society next year, all about my research mapping true paranormal accounts across MK, and what I've learned from the project so far. it's online, on January 19th at 8pm. Do come! #UncannyCommunity thelasttuesdaysociety.org/event/buildi...
thelasttuesdaysociety.org
A Ghost in Every Grid Square: Building a Haunted Map of Milton Keynes - Steph Lay - Zoom - The Last Tuesday Society
A Ghost in Every Grid Square: Building a Haunted Map of Milton Keynes Milton Keynes might be the last place anyone would expect to find a rich haunted history. Built […]
030
Reposted by Steph Lay
Nat Doig @weirdinthewade.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Meet @stephlay.bsky.social the woman behind Milton Keynes City of Secrets project, one of the Into the Fog elves assisting Peter Laws to make his wonderful podcast and YouTube series. Steph is also a good friend of Weird in the Wade who you heard on the latest episode 1/2
Close-up head-and-shoulders portrait of a red-haired adult woman wearing rectangular glasses and a silver necklace, looking calmly at the camera with a softly blurred green garden background.Three people smiling in a dressing-room selfie: a man grins at the camera in the foreground while two women in the mirror-lit backstage area—one in a white dress laughing, the other seated and waving—stand near a makeup counter and clothing rack.
282
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
:D Love this! And that was so much fun hanging out with you and Olie!
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Hey #UncannyCommunity - you know the awesome theme tune to the recent Cold Cases series? I just had a lovely note from Katherine to say she’s releasing it as a full single next Friday :D Here’s the link to pre-save it… how cool?! kpriddy.lnk.to/secrets
kpriddy.lnk.to
Secrets Still Remain
Listen to content by Katherine Priddy.
161
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I still can't believe I get to do cool things like this! I thoroughly enjoying chatting to Craig and Andy - we covered my haunted MK project, secret tunnels, premonitions, the uncanny valley and how we make meaning from the things we can't explain. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAKI... #UncannyCommunity
youtube.com
The dark secrets of Milton Keynes (Modern Folklore for a New City) | Wyrd Wessex
YouTube video by Wyrd Wessex
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
It’s so good to see this in the world again - thank-you so much to @fiveminutelit.bsky.social for featuring my story. And just to say, my sister is now doing fine - but this was one of those moments when the world feels like it’s falling in, and hope feels precious x
120
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Hey MK and nearby folks! I'll be speaking at the Midsummer Festival on June 21st, talking about my City of Secrets project and the haunting stories I'm collecting. I'm on at 5pm, but come for the day, it's going to be awesome :D www.midsummer-festival.co.uk/whats-on#Sto... #UncannyCommunity
An AI generated (ChatGPT) image of the light pyramid in Milton Keynes, imagined for a folklore and storytelling festival. Text reads: Milton Keynes Midsummer Festival - June 21st 5pm - Mapping A City Of Secrets
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
There's a new eerie true story over on my City of Secrets blog - a moment by the balancing lakes in Wolverton Mill that's stayed with Tom for years. Come and meet a figure made of mist ... cityofsecrets.blog/2026/05/25/a... #UncannyCommunity
cityofsecrets.blog
A Figure Made of Mist, Wolverton Mill
Tonight’s story reached me through a particularly delightful connection – last year, I was honoured to be a guest on Rob Kirkup’s wonderful How Haunted? podcast, talking about this project an…
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Doing anything on Sunday? Nope? Come to this @mklitfest.bsky.social event and listen to a few of us share our stories of the city! 6:30pm, online or in person - and it’s free :D www.tickettailor.com/events/milto...
tickettailor.com
Book a Ticket – Voices of Milton Keynes – Arts Central Studios, 20 Burners Lanes, Kiln Farm
Voices of Milton Keynes – Arts Central Studios, 20 Burners Lanes, Kiln Farm, Sun 26 Apr 2026 - The Raising Voices Project is curating writing inspired by places in Milton Keynes to present in our onli...
000
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
I’m so happy to have my very short horror story included in this collection - and highly commended too! Thank-you so much @mklitfest.bsky.social - who knew a bloodthirsty tree would go down so well!
020
Reposted by Steph Lay
Nat Doig @weirdinthewade.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Anyone else in the UK feeling like you're living in Silent Hill? Yes, there's been a lot of mist and fog about. Spooky weather. So I thought I'd share a couple of fog pictures. The first is at the White Horse at Uffington the second Biggleswade. And talking of fog check out a link below 1/2
A frosty hill side with curved chalk lines carved in it. There is mist rising off the hill almost like a horses mane. IN the distance are more hills and a clear sky.A small fan shaped winter tree shrouded in a fine mist the image is framed by winter branches from nearer trees. There are a few yellow leaves still attached to the central tree.
2193
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Do you find yourself listening out extra-carefully in case you hear a faint crackle of static - and something unspeakable lurching itself towards you? :) And thank-you for sharing - that one was a delight to illustrate, and the story is certainly staying with me!
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
It was such an amazing experience to be part of this: thank-you so much to Nat for the invitation! It was so good to celebrate women in the paranormal, to talk about the patterns I'm seeing across both witnesses and entities in MK, and to share my favourite "white lady" haunting :D #UncannyCommunity
040
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
That was fascinating, thank-you so much! Two cases there I didn't know well at all - and Borley's always good to revisit :) It's really interesting to consider what we mean by understanding these things - I'm still certainly trying to work that out!
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thank-you so much for sharing!!
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Thank you Paul! I'll posting as we go - I think I'm going to be busy :)
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
I get asked to be part in the coolest things! You know I love a haunted pub? I've been invited to be part of an ambitious project trying to find the spookiest one in Milton Keynes! I'll be posting about it all. Can't wait to see what we find! #UncannyCommunity cityofsecrets.blog/2026/02/20/r...
cityofsecrets.blog
Raising a Glass to the Unseen, Across the Grid
When you say “haunted pub”, most people think of a spooky old half-timbered building dating back centuries, and stories of dark misdeeds whispered long after closing time. There’s something about t…
171
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
You have lots of good thoughts coming your way from me, both of you - and completely understand me that it’s not top priority just now.
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
Your wonderful map was one of the first things that I looked at when I was tackling Rob’s question :)
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
This one was so much fun to do - it’s always a delight to chat to Rob, and it was great to take a detailed look at the history and haunting of this lovely old building - enjoy! #UncannyCommunity
031
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
Hey spooky people! If you enjoyed the film “The Crow” as much as I did, I’d love you to take a listen to this - I had a blast talking to Sean and Sarah about it at length :D Never thought I’d do anything like this, but it’s was so cool :) shows.acast.com/66d2fd0dc507...
shows.acast.com
The Crow (1994) with Dr Steph Lay and co-host Sarah | Review It Yourself
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
It’s a really great question - and so interesting to hear how we’ve all tackled our answers to it: where’s the dividing line? How do you measure this? Are Southern ghosts spookier, or does the North come in creepier? You’ll have to listen to find out! #UncannyCommunity
120
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
It was so good to chat to Noah for this episode of his Real Hauntings podcast - we went over some of the spookier stories I've collected so far, and also which one has come closest to truly frightening me... open.spotify.com/episode/2G8J... #UncannyCommunity
open.spotify.com
Milton Keynes Water Pump Ghost!
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Please let the possessed doll one come true - unless it’s on TikTok ;)
021
Reposted by Steph Lay
Paul Stevenson @hauntedmagazine.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Let's check back in a year's time and see if any were ticked off. Please feel free to add any more of your paranormal bingo suggestions...
184
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Hey #UncannyCommunity - look! Another excellent episode from Rob - with one last story from me :) Raising a glass of something fizzy to you all, and thank-you so much to Rob for all the amazing support this year. Who knows what 2026 has in store?!
050
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Why not send 2025 on its way in style with this wonderful collection of spookiness? :)
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
It's dark, the fairy lights are twinkling, and there's just enough time for a story from the Redways before Christmas - I hope Alison's eerie encounters in the shadow of St Mary's add a suitable shiver to your festive preparations! #UncannyCommunity cityofsecrets.blog/2025/12/23/h...
cityofsecrets.blog
Half-Seen at St Mary’s, Shenley Church End
We’re getting very close to the end of the year, and it always feels like the right time for stories like these. The days shorten, familiar paths grow quieter, and places we think we know wel…
020
Reposted by Steph Lay
Emma LH Ghost Catcher Isles @ghostcatcherisles.com · 23/12/2025
I'm delighted to hear @stephlay.bsky.social, writer at City of Secrets (cityofsecrets.blog/a-haunting-h...), is joining @weirdinthewade.bsky.social and I to share some stories with you! Please pick up a ticket and join us for some chilling and enchanting winter tales on 29th December.
cityofsecrets.blog
A haunting hello
Visit the post for more.
041
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
So excited to be part of this - what an honour! If you're free next Monday evening, do join us for some stories, it would be lovely to have you there :)
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Creepy Christmas starts here! I'm so delighted to be part of this episode bringing together listener stories and tales from such brilliant creators - it was an honour to share Amara's story of her years living with an eerie dark presence. Huge thanks to Rob for having me :D #UncannyCommunity
072
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
This is super exciting - I’m so happy to be part of this festive special, and honoured to be there with so many very cool people :D
092
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
Anyone fancy a cuppa? Tonight’s story from the dark side of Milton Keynes comes from a cosy café - and one sudden, unsettling moment in its storeroom... cityofsecrets.blog/2025/11/23/w... #UncannyCommunity
cityofsecrets.blog
When Something Took Aim, Whitehouse
Some of the stories I’ve shared recently have been detailed, complex hauntings: years of encounters, multiple witnesses, escalating activity. But there are also those smaller haunting moments…
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
@rebeccaradford.bsky.social It was so wonderful to meet you today - Nat has the best community, and I’m delighted to be part of it :D
130
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
That was brilliant fun - and great to meet you :)
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Ooh, Tuesdays for new #uncanny - right, that's going in the calendar. I reckon that next one's going to be rather good :) Thank-you for an awesome listen-along, everyone - I really enjoyed that!
160
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
That made me snort out loud :)
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
That's so poignant :/
000
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
"There's a lot of death on this street" I'm picturing Evelyn striding down the road intoning this at midnight... #uncanny
050
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
That's very trusting of them - "Can I bring my parapsychologist round your gaff for the night?" "Of course! Here, have my keys!"
020
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
"I liked that wood-chip, I'm going to hide your pressure cooker!"
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Disturbances starting with renovations really does seem to be a thing... the scariest story I've collected so far began that way... cityofsecrets.blog/2025/05/09/t... #uncanny
162
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Woohoo!
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
It really was - I was so lucky, apparently 6000 people applied for tickets :O
110
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Oh, he's very modest about it - barely mentions it at all ;)
250
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
I was lucky enough to be in the audience when this bit was recorded - it was so cool! #uncanny
171
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Tatiana still sounds genuinely rattled retelling this, bless her. Hope she's ok. #uncanny
030
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Show 'em who's in charge!
010
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Altitude sickness is the new infrasound :) #uncanny
070
Steph Lay @stephlay.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
It takes some guts to go knocking on your neighbours' doors and asking that - Virginia is awesome. #uncanny
270