Boatman Cryptics
@boatmancryptics.co.uk
Guardian crossword setter & teacher of aspiring word-fiends. Two books of puzzles & the stories behind them: see website for signed copies or to sign up for masterclasses or to commission bespoke puzzles: boatmancryptics.co.uk
Pinned
The Seasonal Reposting Competition is coming! Return here on Friday for a chance to win a signed copy of one of my books ...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
The Seasonal Reposting Competition is coming! Return here on Friday for a chance to win a signed copy of one of my books ...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The Seasonal Reposting Competition is coming! Return here on Friday for a chance to win a signed copy of one of my books ...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
Why are @brianbilston.bsky.social's cats so engrossed? To find out, buy my books for the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @guardian #puzzles with the stories & ideas behind them, plus extra #clues & explanations of #wordplay - all booksellers or signed copies: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
November 6, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Why are @brianbilston.bsky.social's cats so engrossed? To find out, buy my books for the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @guardian #puzzles with the stories & ideas behind them, plus extra #clues & explanations of #wordplay - all booksellers or signed copies: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
In the @theguardian.com #crossword tomorrow with incorrect formations, extractor fan becoming damp! (5)
November 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
In the @theguardian.com #crossword tomorrow with incorrect formations, extractor fan becoming damp! (5)
Says @mrhenrymorris.substack.com, "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again". Correct solutions and the stories behind the puzzles from booksellers or boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
October 31, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Says @mrhenrymorris.substack.com, "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again". Correct solutions and the stories behind the puzzles from booksellers or boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
According to Gyles Brandreth, "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best".
Two books of Guardian puzzles and the stories behind them, with bonus extras. At all booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
Two books of Guardian puzzles and the stories behind them, with bonus extras. At all booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
October 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
According to Gyles Brandreth, "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best".
Two books of Guardian puzzles and the stories behind them, with bonus extras. At all booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
Two books of Guardian puzzles and the stories behind them, with bonus extras. At all booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
@twitmericks.bsky.social
Some robbers who work the day shift
Broke into the Louvre with a lift.
They made it back down
With some bling and a crown,
Which made all the French highly miffed.
Some robbers who work the day shift
Broke into the Louvre with a lift.
They made it back down
With some bling and a crown,
Which made all the French highly miffed.
Louvre museum robbery: how the thieves broke in, what they stole and what happens next
Louvre museum robbery: how the thieves broke in, what they stole and what happens next
The French culture ministry said eight pieces were stolen – but not the hugely valuable crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie
www.theguardian.com
October 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM
@twitmericks.bsky.social
Some robbers who work the day shift
Broke into the Louvre with a lift.
They made it back down
With some bling and a crown,
Which made all the French highly miffed.
Some robbers who work the day shift
Broke into the Louvre with a lift.
They made it back down
With some bling and a crown,
Which made all the French highly miffed.
Is is too soon to mention that the crossword addicts on your Christmas list may enjoy these two books? Each has 50 puzzles from @theguardian.com and the story of how they were created, with bonus extras. From wherever you buy good books, or signed copies from:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
October 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Is is too soon to mention that the crossword addicts on your Christmas list may enjoy these two books? Each has 50 puzzles from @theguardian.com and the story of how they were created, with bonus extras. From wherever you buy good books, or signed copies from:
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...
Advance warning: in the @theguardian.com #crossword on Wednesday 5 November - no fireworks, just another chapter in our domestic autobiography ...
October 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Advance warning: in the @theguardian.com #crossword on Wednesday 5 November - no fireworks, just another chapter in our domestic autobiography ...
The PNG Courier on swans and sensibility …
EXCLUSIVE: The Papua New Guinea Courier's UK correspondent on Nigel Farage bringing the UK media to heil
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
The Papua New Guinea Courier on Nigel Farage bringing the UK media to heil
To receive new posts and support efforts to make light of our imminent demise, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
open.substack.com
September 26, 2025 at 7:09 AM
The PNG Courier on swans and sensibility …
Reposted by Boatman Cryptics
Tom Johnson (aka Doc, Gozo, Maskarade) has published a book, which "tells of my career as a crossword compiler from my schooldays right through to commitments nowadays".
Details of how to buy posted here: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/09/21/a...
Details of how to buy posted here: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/09/21/a...
ALL SQUARED crossword book – Fifteensquared
www.fifteensquared.net
September 22, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Tom Johnson (aka Doc, Gozo, Maskarade) has published a book, which "tells of my career as a crossword compiler from my schooldays right through to commitments nowadays".
Details of how to buy posted here: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/09/21/a...
Details of how to buy posted here: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/09/21/a...
Last chance to grab a place on my November masterclass! The attendee list closes in one week - act now!
Just a couple of places left on my next online masterclass ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 1 and 8 November and perhaps you can be like @guineverecryptic.bsky.social who did this one year ago and today sets for @thetimes.com: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...
September 20, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Last chance to grab a place on my November masterclass! The attendee list closes in one week - act now!
Just a couple of places left on my next online masterclass ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 1 and 8 November and perhaps you can be like @guineverecryptic.bsky.social who did this one year ago and today sets for @thetimes.com: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...
September 12, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Just a couple of places left on my next online masterclass ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 1 and 8 November and perhaps you can be like @guineverecryptic.bsky.social who did this one year ago and today sets for @thetimes.com: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...
Congratulations to Guinevere, who becomes the tenth of my masterclass students to find a well-earned place in The Times today ...
Quick cryptic in The Times today is a debut by ‘Kybos’
Kybos is a Greek word for a six-sided 🎲 …
Testers are wonderful people who deserve so much ❤️
#cryptic #crossword #isitreal
Kybos is a Greek word for a six-sided 🎲 …
Testers are wonderful people who deserve so much ❤️
#cryptic #crossword #isitreal
September 12, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Congratulations to Guinevere, who becomes the tenth of my masterclass students to find a well-earned place in The Times today ...
Unch! Happening!
🚨 UK PRE-ORDERS ARE OPEN 🚨
Roll up roll up - assure yourself a copy of Unch now!
Visit: unchcrosswords.com#shop
Roll up roll up - assure yourself a copy of Unch now!
Visit: unchcrosswords.com#shop
a man in a suit and tie is saying oh my god okay it 's happening .
Alt: Michael Scott (US Office) saying oh my god okay it's happening .
media.tenor.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:18 AM
Unch! Happening!
If you’re in Wells, like afternoon tea and don’t know how cryptic crosswords work, this could be your chance to find out …
I’m headed to the wonderful Wells Maltings on November 4th for another beginners cryptic crossword workshop.
This time with afternoon tea included!
www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/events/a-beg...
This time with afternoon tea included!
www.wellsmaltings.org.uk/events/a-beg...
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SOLVING CRYPTIC CROSSWORDS: A WORKSHOP WITH AFTERNOON TEA - Wells Maltings - Wells Cinema and Theatre
A Beginner’s Guide to Solving Cryptic Crosswords In this workshop, Peter Moore Fuller (Bard in the Independent Crossword) will introduce you to the wonderful world of cryptic crosswords where playful...
www.wellsmaltings.org.uk
September 10, 2025 at 7:12 AM
If you’re in Wells, like afternoon tea and don’t know how cryptic crosswords work, this could be your chance to find out …
The PNG Courier’s enthusiasm for the quality of political discourse in the UK is flagging …
The PNG Courier overseas edition on mini-roundabouts
(And Yvette Cooper's bunting)
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
(And Yvette Cooper's bunting)
open.substack.com/pub/mrhenrym...
The PNG Courier overseas edition on mini-roundabouts
And Yvette Cooper's bunting
open.substack.com
September 4, 2025 at 8:07 AM
The PNG Courier’s enthusiasm for the quality of political discourse in the UK is flagging …
The PNG Courier on ships, shootings and surgical strikes …
August 29, 2025 at 6:43 AM
The PNG Courier on ships, shootings and surgical strikes …
The Unch bunch launch …
📢 Pre-orders coming soon!
We're launching a #CRYPTIC #CROSSWORD magazine!
We'll be showcasing new setters as well as people already published in places like the Independent, Guardian and Telegraph.
Make sure you're in the loop by signing up at unchcrosswords.com
We're launching a #CRYPTIC #CROSSWORD magazine!
We'll be showcasing new setters as well as people already published in places like the Independent, Guardian and Telegraph.
Make sure you're in the loop by signing up at unchcrosswords.com
an elderly woman in a blue jacket is holding a megaphone to her mouth .
ALT: an elderly woman in a blue jacket is holding a megaphone to her mouth .
media.tenor.com
August 17, 2025 at 5:48 AM
The Unch bunch launch …
Back to Bridgend, where the clocks stopped in 1979 and in our “country house luxury hotel” (fact fans - we are staying at the location of one of the key scenes in the Gavin & Stacey finale) no expense has been lavished to recreate the authentic experience of a school dormitory …
August 15, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Back to Bridgend, where the clocks stopped in 1979 and in our “country house luxury hotel” (fact fans - we are staying at the location of one of the key scenes in the Gavin & Stacey finale) no expense has been lavished to recreate the authentic experience of a school dormitory …
Something new is brewing in crosswordland …
🚨 NEW #CRYPTIC #CROSSWORD MAGAZINE 🚨
Unch is launching soon - register here for updates: unchcrosswords.com
Please do tell your cryptic crossword friends, and share far & wide x
Unch is launching soon - register here for updates: unchcrosswords.com
Please do tell your cryptic crossword friends, and share far & wide x
a man in a suit sits at a desk with a phone
Alt: Dwight from the US Office pretending to be Stanley, holding a pen and a crossword
media.tenor.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:38 AM
Something new is brewing in crosswordland …
If you’ve looked at cryptic crosswords and wondered what on earth they all mean, and if you might be somewhere near Norwich in September, this from one of my masterclass graduates should be of interest to you …
Join me for an afternoon learning how to solve cryptic crossword puzzles in the fine city of Norwich on the 7th September.
Tickets here:
thehollowaynorwich.com/events/RVb6g...
Shares and word of mouth appreciated!
Tickets here:
thehollowaynorwich.com/events/RVb6g...
Shares and word of mouth appreciated!
August 15, 2025 at 5:37 AM
If you’ve looked at cryptic crosswords and wondered what on earth they all mean, and if you might be somewhere near Norwich in September, this from one of my masterclass graduates should be of interest to you …
We are about to see Derren Brown’s latest show, and our row is entirely empty. What does this portend?
August 7, 2025 at 6:23 PM
We are about to see Derren Brown’s latest show, and our row is entirely empty. What does this portend?
Congratulations to Josh, who is my 28th masterclass graduate to take a well-earned place in @the-independent.com ...
Thrilled to debut today as Major in the Indy. Including:
Old enough for starters to purchase cigarette? (2,3)
Free type of takeaway's set aside cold (5)
With special thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @catnipxword.bsky.social
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
Old enough for starters to purchase cigarette? (2,3)
Free type of takeaway's set aside cold (5)
With special thanks to @amoebacrosswords.bsky.social and @catnipxword.bsky.social
Solve for free here: puzzles.independent.co.uk/games/crypti...
The Independent's Cryptic Crossword | Play Online for Free | Independent
Play The Independent's Cryptic Crossword instantly online. The Independent's Cryptic Crossword is a fun and engaging Online game from The Independent. Play it and other games from The Independent.
puzzles.independent.co.uk
July 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Congratulations to Josh, who is my 28th masterclass graduate to take a well-earned place in @the-independent.com ...
The PNG Courier proves itself equally adept at horror as at humour. Slaughter was always just one letter away from laughter …
The PNG Courier on the crime against humanity currently being permitted to take place in Gaza.
Substack - mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p/the-png-co...
Substack - mrhenrymorris.substack.com/p/the-png-co...
July 26, 2025 at 11:20 AM
The PNG Courier proves itself equally adept at horror as at humour. Slaughter was always just one letter away from laughter …
If you're in Sussex on 19 Sept, come and see the wonderful Full Circle Quartet in the intimate setting of the Old Meeting House, Ditchling, with Josephine Davies (Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year 2019), BAFTA-winning pianist-composer Joss Peach, legendary bassist Terry Pack and drummer Angus Bishop
July 22, 2025 at 10:33 AM
If you're in Sussex on 19 Sept, come and see the wonderful Full Circle Quartet in the intimate setting of the Old Meeting House, Ditchling, with Josephine Davies (Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year 2019), BAFTA-winning pianist-composer Joss Peach, legendary bassist Terry Pack and drummer Angus Bishop