The Witch of Woodplumpton is a legendary figure that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries. Located in the City of Preston district of Lancashire, England, the story of the witch has been passed down from generation to generation. According to the legend, the witch’s name was Meg Shelton, also known as the “Fylde Hag,” who was accused of witchcraft and buried upside down in a narrow shaft to prevent her from escaping.
The legend of Meg Shelton has been the subject of many stories, books, and even a documentary. Despite the lack of historical evidence, the story of the witch has continued to fascinate people for centuries. Many people have claimed to have seen her ghost or felt her presence near her grave, which has become a popular destination for tourists and ghost hunters.
The story of the Witch of Woodplumpton is a fascinating tale that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. While the historical accuracy of the story is questionable, the legend has become an important part of the local culture and folklore. The witch’s grave has become a popular tourist attraction, and her story continues to be passed down from generation to generation.
The Legend of the Witch
The Woodplumpton Witch, also known as Meg Shelton, is a legendary figure in the history of witchcraft in England. The story of Meg Shelton has been passed down through generations and is still talked about today. The legend of the witch has been the subject of many books, articles, and documentaries. In this section, we will explore the origins of the tale and the curse of Meg Shelton.
Origins of the Tale
The tale of the Woodplumpton Witch dates back to the 17th century when people were obsessed with tales of witches and supernatural beings. Meg Shelton was a woman who lived in the nearby village of Catforth and was accused of witchcraft. She was said to have used her occult powers to steal from the local community, especially farmers. Many of the accounts of her mischief involved shape-shifting and other supernatural abilities.
Meg Shelton was eventually caught and put on trial for witchcraft. She was found guilty and sentenced to death. She was buried in St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton, where her grave can still be seen today. However, it is said that Meg Shelton’s spirit still haunts the area, and her curse is still felt by those who cross her path.
The Curse of Meg Shelton
The curse of Meg Shelton is said to be responsible for a series of misfortunes that have befallen the people of Woodplumpton over the years. It is said that anyone who disturbs her grave will be cursed and suffer terrible consequences. Some people have reported seeing her ghostly figure wandering around the churchyard at night, and strange occurrences have been reported in the area.
Despite the curse, Meg Shelton’s grave remains a popular tourist attraction, and many people come to see the grave and learn about the legend of the Woodplumpton Witch. While the truth behind the tale may never be known, the legend of Meg Shelton continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day.
Woodplumpton Village
Woodplumpton is a small village located in the City of Preston district of Lancashire, England. It is situated approximately 6 miles north of the city of Preston and has a population of around 1,000 people.
Geographical Setting
The village of Woodplumpton is located in a rural area and is surrounded by farmland and countryside. The village is situated on a hill, which provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The village is also located near to the River Wyre, which flows through the nearby town of Garstang.
Historical Significance
Woodplumpton is a village with a rich history. The village is home to St. Anne’s Church, which is a Grade I listed building. The church dates back to the 14th century and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and historical significance. The church also houses the grave of Meg Shelton, also known as the Fylde Witch.
Meg Shelton was accused of witchcraft in the 17th century and was said to have used her powers to steal from the local community. She was also accused of shape-shifting and causing mischief. Her grave is located in the churchyard and is said to be cursed. Legend has it that if you walk around her grave three times, you will be cursed with bad luck.
In conclusion, Woodplumpton is a beautiful and historic village with a rich history. Its location in a rural area and proximity to the River Wyre make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The village’s historical significance is evident in the Grade I listed St. Anne’s Church and the grave of Meg Shelton, also known as the Fylde Witch.
Witchcraft in 17th Century England
Socio-Cultural Context
In the 17th century, witchcraft was a widely accepted belief in England. People believed that witches had supernatural powers and could cause harm to others by casting spells. The belief in witches was deeply rooted in the socio-cultural context of the time. People were afraid of the unknown and witchcraft provided an explanation for unexplainable events.
Women were often the victims of witch hunts. They were accused of being witches and were subjected to torture and execution. The fear of witches was so great that people would often accuse their neighbors of being witches without any evidence.
Legal Framework
The legal framework for witchcraft in 17th century England was harsh. In 1604, the Witchcraft Act was passed which made it a crime to practice witchcraft. This law was used to prosecute and execute people accused of witchcraft.
The accused were subjected to a trial by ordeal, where they were subjected to torture until they confessed to practicing witchcraft. The punishments for being found guilty of witchcraft were severe and included being burned at the stake.
The Witch of Woodplumpton, Meg Shelton, was accused of witchcraft in the late 17th century. She was known as the “Fylde Hag” and was accused of causing harm to others through her supernatural powers. Her grave can still be seen at St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton, Lancashire.
In conclusion, the belief in witchcraft was deeply rooted in the socio-cultural context of 17th century England. The legal framework for witchcraft was harsh and many innocent people were executed as a result. The case of Meg Shelton, the Witch of Woodplumpton, is just one example of the fear and hysteria surrounding witchcraft in this period.
The Witch’s Grave
Location and Description
The Witch of Woodplumpton, also known as Meg Shelton, was buried in St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton, which is now part of the City of Preston district of Lancashire. The grave is marked by a large boulder, which is said to have been placed there to prevent Meg from rising from the grave again.
The boulder is located in the churchyard, near the south wall of the church. It is said to weigh several tons and is roughly rectangular in shape. The grave itself is said to be located beneath the boulder, although there is no visible marker or inscription to indicate its exact location.
Cultural Impact
The legend of the Witch of Woodplumpton has had a significant cultural impact in the local area. The story of Meg Shelton has been passed down through generations, and many people in the area still believe that she was a real person who practiced witchcraft.
The location of Meg Shelton’s grave has become a popular tourist attraction, and many people visit St. Anne’s Church specifically to see the boulder and pay their respects to the Witch of Woodplumpton. The legend of Meg Shelton has also been the subject of numerous books, articles, and documentaries, which have helped to keep the story alive and spread it to a wider audience.
Despite the passage of time, the legend of the Witch of Woodplumpton continues to fascinate people and capture their imaginations. Whether or not Meg Shelton was a real person who practiced witchcraft, her story has become an important part of the local folklore and cultural heritage of the area.
Myth Versus Reality
Historical Evidence
The story of the Witch of Woodplumpton is a popular legend in the area, but what is the historical evidence behind it? According to the records, a woman named Margery Hilton, also known as Meg Shelton, was accused of witchcraft in the 17th century. She was said to have used her occult powers to steal from the local community, especially farmers.
However, it is important to note that the accusations against Meg Shelton were made during a time when witch hunts were common in England. Many innocent people were accused and punished for crimes they did not commit. Therefore, it is possible that Meg Shelton was also a victim of these witch hunts.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, the legend of the Witch of Woodplumpton has taken on a life of its own. Many people visit her grave at St. Anne’s Church, which is said to be haunted by her ghost. Some even claim to have seen her apparition or heard strange noises coming from the churchyard.
While these modern interpretations may be entertaining, it is important to remember that they are based on hearsay and folklore. There is no scientific evidence to support claims of supernatural activity at St. Anne’s Church or the grave of Meg Shelton.
In conclusion, the story of the Witch of Woodplumpton is a fascinating legend that has captured the imagination of many people over the years. However, it is important to separate fact from fiction and to approach the story with a critical eye. By doing so, we can gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the area, and perhaps even uncover new insights into the life and times of Meg Shelton.
Cultural Legacy
Literature and Folklore
The Witch of Woodplumpton, Meg Shelton, has become a popular figure in Lancashire folklore and literature. Her story has been retold in various forms, including poems, plays, and novels. One of the most famous works inspired by her is the play “The Lancashire Witches” by William Harrison Ainsworth, which was first published in 1849. The play tells the story of the infamous Pendle Witches, but it also includes a character based on Meg Shelton.
Meg Shelton has also been mentioned in several other works of literature, including the novel “The Lancashire Witches” by Edgar Jepson and the poem “The Witch of Woodplumpton” by John Drinkwater. These works have helped to keep her story alive in the popular imagination.
Tourism and Economy
The Witch of Woodplumpton has also become a popular tourist attraction in Lancashire. Her grave, which is located in St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton, has become a site of pilgrimage for those interested in the supernatural. The boulder that marks her grave has become a symbol of her legacy, and it is often featured in tourist brochures and websites.
The popularity of Meg Shelton has also had a positive impact on the local economy. The village of Woodplumpton has seen an increase in tourism since her story became more widely known. Local businesses, such as cafes and gift shops, have benefited from the influx of visitors. The Witch of Woodplumpton has become an important part of Lancashire’s cultural heritage, and her legacy is likely to endure for many years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story behind the Witch of Woodplumpton?
The story of the Witch of Woodplumpton is a tale of a woman named Meg Shelton, who was accused of being a witch in the 17th century. She was said to have supernatural powers and was believed to have caused mischief and harm to the people of Woodplumpton. After her death, she was buried in the churchyard of St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton. Her grave is marked by a boulder, and it is said that she was buried upside down to prevent her from rising from the dead.
How did the legend of the Witch of Woodplumpton contribute to local folklore?
The legend of the Witch of Woodplumpton has become a part of local folklore and has been passed down through generations. It has contributed to the rich history of the area and has become a popular tourist attraction. The story of Meg Shelton has become a symbol of the supernatural and has inspired many other tales of witches and ghosts in the area.
What are the common rituals or customs associated with the Witch of Woodplumpton legend?
There are no specific rituals or customs associated with the Witch of Woodplumpton legend. However, visitors to the churchyard often stand on the boulder marking Meg Shelton’s grave and turn around three times, making a wish that is said to come true. Some people also leave offerings at the grave, such as coins or flowers.
Are there any landmarks or monuments related to the Witch of Woodplumpton?
The only landmark related to the Witch of Woodplumpton is Meg Shelton’s grave in the churchyard of St. Anne’s Church in Woodplumpton. The grave is marked by a boulder and is a popular tourist attraction.
How has the tale of the Witch of Woodplumpton influenced modern culture or media?
The tale of the Witch of Woodplumpton has inspired many books, movies, and TV shows about witches and the supernatural. It has become a part of popular culture and has contributed to the fascination with the supernatural and the paranormal.
What historical events are connected to the Witch of Woodplumpton myth?
The Witch of Woodplumpton myth is connected to the historical events of the 17th century, when witch hunts were common in Europe and the Americas. The story of Meg Shelton is a reminder of the fear and superstition that existed during this time and the tragic consequences that resulted from it.
