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Scratching Moll of Ettington

Woodland known as Mollsgrave Coppice, Ettington, Warwickshire Apparition Pre-Victorian

Deep in the heart of Mollsgrave Coppice, a woodland in Ettington, Warwickshire, a notorious spirit is said to roam, known locally as Scratching Moll. This eerie presence is believed to be the ghost of a woman who lived and died in these very woods, her life and death shrouded in mystery and local legend. Moll was thought to be a witch by the local community, and her isolation in the woodlands only added to the suspicion and fear that surrounded her. It's said that she took her own life, and her burial near a crossroads was thought to have been a deliberate attempt to trap her spirit. Since then, people have reported encountering her vengeful ghost, who would scratch anyone who dared to come too close.

The story of Scratching Moll dates back to a time when superstition and fear of the unknown were rife. In an era where witchcraft was often blamed for misfortune and hardship, it's little wonder that Moll's solitary lifestyle and perceived eccentricities made her a target for local suspicion. Her decision to end her own life, possibly driven by despair or persecution, has become a pivotal part of the haunting legend. According to local lore, Moll's spirit was doomed to roam the woods, seeking revenge on anyone who crossed her path. While there are no documented witness accounts or concrete evidence, the persistence of this legend suggests that Scratching Moll remains a potent and feared presence in these Warwickshire woods.

Historical Context

The haunting is set in a rural area of Warwickshire, where Moll lived and died, possibly during the 18th or 19th century.

Location

Location Details

Location Type
Woodland
Activity Types
Visual Audio Physical
Witness Credibility
Local Legend
Threat Level
Harmless to Moderate
Accessibility
Public Access
Date / Era
Unknown
Postcode Area
CV35

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