Shropshire is a county filled with fascinating folklore and mesmerising myths, the rolling hills and ancient woodlands providing a setting for many tales. From ghostly apparitions to mythical creatures, the stories of Shropshire have been passed down through the generations. This article explores a few of the most captivating myths and legends that have shaped the cultural heritage of Shropshire.
The Giant with a Grudge
One of the most famous tales of the region is the legend of the Wrekin Giant. The story goes that this giant held a long-standing grudge against the people of Shrewsbury. To settle this, he decided to dam the River Severn and thus drown the people of the town. He set off towards the river carrying a spade full of earth. On his way he met a passing local cobbler carrying a large sack full of his customers old shoes. The cobblers convinced the giant that they were instead all the shoes that he had worn through on the journey from the river. The giant believing that the river is miles away decides to dump the earth he carries where he stands, forming the hill known as The Wrekin! Nowadays, The Wrekin is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Shropshire, attracting thousands of visitors a year. It is surrounded by ancient forests and woodlands, so is well worth a visit. It is also apparently the inspiration behind Tolkien’s Middle Earth in the Lord of the Rings books.
Dancing Witches
Many other natural landmarks have also given rise to myths and legends being created. The rugged terrain of the Stiperstones is steeped in eerie folklore, and this is particularly the case for the Devil’s Chair, a jagged rock foundation. Local legends claim that this is a meeting place for witches and a throne for the Devil. On certain nights, it is said that witches gather here to dance and cast spells, while the Devil oversees from his stony seat. The Clee Hills, the highest peaks in Shropshire, are the setting for the legend of a dragon that once terrorized the area. According to the story, a brave local hero eventually slew the dragon, bringing peace to the region. Finally, the Long Mynd is known not only for its sweeping views and rich wildlife but also for the tale of a lost village. Legend has it that a village once stood on the Long Mynd, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace. On certain nights, the faint sounds of village life—laughter, chatter, and the ringing of a distant bell—can be heard, the ghosts of a forgotten past.
Haunting Noblewoman
Another famous site steeped in legend is Ludlow Castle. It is said that the castle is haunted by Marion de La Bruders, a noblewoman who haunts the castle after being betrayed by her lover during the War of the Roses. One evening, she lowered a rope to her lover, to allow him to enter the castle to meet her. Instead, he allowed the enemy to send a small army up the rope, who invaded and seized the castle. After this betrayal, Marion used her lover’s sword to slit his throat, before throwing herself out the window to the rocks below. Apparently, visiting the tower at sunset on a quiet evening is the best time to see her ghost, but going on the anniversary of her suicide might allow you to hear her as well. Ludlow Castle is well worth a visit, not just for ghost spotting, but also to discover its fascinating history and it a great attraction for a family day out.
The White Lady & a Black Dog
The War of the Roses provides more ghosts at Blore Heath. Now a tranquil area of rolling fields, it was the site of a bloody battle during the Wars of the Roses. This historical event has given rise to legends of ghostly soldiers who appear on misty nights, reenacting the fierce combat of 1459. Wenlock Edge, a limestone escarpment, is home to the tale of the White Lady. This spectral woman, dressed in flowing white, is often linked to a tragic love affair. According to the legend, she fell in love with a local knight, but their love was doomed. Heartbroken, she wandered the edge, eventually succumbing to despair. Today, her ghost is seen drifting through the woods, a sorrowful figure forever searching for her lost love. The legend of Black Vaughan, or Sir Thomas Vaughan, casts a dark shadow over Hergest Court, a Manor House near Kington. After his death, Vaughan’s spirit transformed into a monstrous black hound that terrorizes the grounds. This phantom hound, with glowing red eyes, is said to appear on stormy nights, a symbol of the restless spirit of Sir Vaughan. His story is similar to many other tales of a black dog in British folklore, symbolising danger and death.
Shropshire Mermaid
Finally, there are many tales of fantastical creatures being sighted throughout Shropshire. The Shropshire mermaid is just one of these. This mysterious creature is said to inhabit the depths of the River Severn, occasionally surfacing to be seen by fishermen and travellers. Her appearances are often seen as omens, with sightings bringing both wonder and foreboding. Additionally, Ellesmere, in the north of Shropshire, harbours the legend of a feared and respected witch. This witch, living by the Mere, was known for her potions and prophecies. Locals sought her out for cures and divinations, but also feared her wrath. Her presence in the community was a blend of awe and dread, typifying the dual nature of witches in folklore as both healers and harbingers of misfortune.
Overall, Shropshire is an incredible county full of history and stories to be told. The natural landmarks of Shropshire are not just geographical features; they are the settings for the county’s rich folklore. The myths and legends associated with these places add depth to their beauty, making them not only sites to see but with stories to experience. Whether you are hiking up the Wrekin, wandering Wenlock Edge, or exploring the Stiperstones, the legends of Shropshire are ever-present, enriching your journey through this captivating region.