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Devil's Mowing Contest Haunting

Exact location not known, St Mabyn, Cornwall Legend Pre-Victorian

In the quaint village of St Mabyn, Cornwall, a rather unusual legend has been passed down through the ages. The story goes that the Devil, also known as Old Nick, and the village smith engaged in a hay mowing contest. The smith, being a cunning fellow, secretly planted obstacles, likely iron stakes, in the Devil's half of the field. As expected, the Devil's scythe quickly became blunt, and in a fit of rage, Old Nick hurled his whetstone at the smith. Unfortunately for the smith, the whetstone missed its mark and landed in a nearby field, where it remained for some time before being removed.

Historical records of this event are scarce, but the tale has become an integral part of local folklore. The fact that the whetstone was said to have remained in the field for an extended period suggests that the incident may have been witnessed by multiple people, adding some credibility to the story. While there's no concrete evidence to support the supernatural involvement, the legend has endured, captivating the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The incident is often classified as a legend, specifically an Old Nick story, which typically features the Devil in a more human-like role.

Historical Context

The story likely dates back to the 18th or 19th century, when folklore and superstition were prevalent in rural England.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Village
Activity Types
Visual Audio
Witness Credibility
Single Witness
Threat Level
Harmless
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
PL22

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