Regarding the location of the witch or eldern tree, there is a stone figure in the porch of the church at nearby Long Compton which local tradition asserts is the figure of a witch. The figure is actually heavily eroded and almost looks like one of the rollright stones.
"In his 1968 book, Murder by Witchcraft, Donald McCormick describes how the female figure has 'an eerie and malevolent stare on her face that fixed one wherever one stood'. The author goes on to say that, even when moving back 20 paces from the figure, 'the stare was still directly confronting me'...". Mark Turner, Curious Cotswolds
"The feet of the stone figure appear to be resting on an animal, perhaps a cat or fox.It may this that has led to suggestions that the figure is that of a witch who was turned to stone, her familiar resting at her feet. In his book Murder by Witchcraft Donald McCormick suggests this figure has a malevolent stare, and his implication that it fixes any onlooker has helped to cement the folklore".
"...in a field near the church can be seen some ancient earthworks. The field is called The Close. An old tradition is attached to it...It said a young man sold his soul to the devil there." Mark Turner, Folklore & mysteries of the Cotswolds.
"Belief in witchcraft and the power of witches features prominently in Long Compton's folklore.Rarely in fact does one find a village with such strong witchcraft associations." mark Turner.Folklore & Mysteries of the Cotwolds.
"There are enough witches in Long Compton to draw a wagon load of hay up long compton hill " - Old saying.
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From THE HAUNTED COTSWOLDS by Bob Meredith:
"One warm summer afternoon a family from the Midlands, visiting the mound decided to picnic on top of it to enjoy the view. They laid a large table cloth on the mound and loaded it well with food and crockery.The day was still and warm without a breath of air about.During the course of the meal the table cloth suddenly leapt into the air, scattering food and the people.The family were so upset by the incident that they quickly packed everything away and hurriedly left."
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I enjoy visiting atmospheric and historical places and have got my interest in megaliths from Julian's fantastic two books
Avebury, Savernake and Rollright stones are some of my favourites and local to me.
would like to travel more to see more
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