Ramsbury Witch Elm Replacement
In the quaint village of Ramsbury, Wiltshire, a notorious elm tree once stood tall, its hollow trunk rumoured to be home to the spirit of a local witch, Maud Toogood. The tree succumbed to Dutch elm disease, and in a bid to rid the village of the perceived curse, it was replaced with a sturdy oak. Locals were worried that if the elm was felled, Maud's malevolent energy might spread and afflict the community. The new oak still stands today, a symbol of the village's attempt to shake off its dark past.
Historical records show that the original elm tree was a focal point of village life, its replacement sparked by concerns over the witch's supposed curse. While there's no concrete evidence of Maud's existence or the nature of her alleged curse, the story has become an integral part of Ramsbury's folklore. The current oak tree, planted in the same spot, seems to have brought a sense of peace to the area, but the legend of Maud Toogood lives on, a testament to the enduring power of local legend.
The story of Maud Toogood dates back to the time when the original elm tree stood in Ramsbury village.
Location
Location Details
Nearby Haunted Places
Ramsbury Old Saddlery Footsteps
Old Saddlery, Ramsbury
The Old Saddlery in Ramsbury, a former furniture manufacturing business, is home to a mysterious presence that makes its presence known through unexplained footsteps. One evening, around 21:00h, a lone worker was startled to hear heavy footsteps walking on the floor above. The worker investigated but found the building to be empty, leaving the source of the noise a mystery. This incident, which took place circa 1964 or 1965, remains an unexplained event in the history of the Old Saddlery.
Wild William Darrell Apparition
Church, Ramsbury
Ramsbury Church stands tall in the quiet Wiltshire town, its ancient stones bearing witness to a legend that has been etched into local folklore. They say that if you're feeling brave, you can test the story of Wild William Darrell for yourself. All you need to do is count one hundred studs on the north door at midnight. It's a peculiar ritual, but one that's said to summon the ghostly apparition of Wild William Darrell. What happens next is anyone's guess, but the locals seem to take the legend seriously enough.
The Falling Branches Curse
Elm tree near the Manor House, Littlecote
Standing tall near Littlecote Manor in Wiltshire is an ancient elm tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. Locals believe this tree holds a dark and foreboding secret. According to legend, when a branch falls from the tree, a member of the Popham family, former owners of the manor house, will meet a tragic end. This eerie phenomenon has been observed over the centuries, striking fear into the hearts of those who know its history. The tree seems to be watching over the manor, its every move a potential harbinger of doom.
Wild Will Darrell's Ghost
Littlecote Park, Littlecote
Littlecote Park is home to a particularly unsettling ghost story. It's said that Wild Will Darrell, a man with a dark past, now haunts a spot known as Darrell's Stile. According to local legend, Darrell brutally murdered his newborn child, and shortly after, his body was found in the park with a broken neck. The locals believed that the murdered child's ghost was responsible for making Darrell's horse bolt, leading to his tragic demise. Now, Darrell is said to roam the park, eternally paying for his heinous crime.
The Tragic Mother and Child
Littlecote House Hotel, Littlecote
Littlecote House Hotel in Wiltshire is home to a heartbreaking ghost story. A woman in a pink dress has been spotted walking the corridors, cradling her newborn baby in her arms. The child's fate is a tragic one - it was brutally murdered by its father, 'Wild' Will Darrell, just moments after birth. The baby was thrown into a nearby fireplace, leaving the mother to scream in horror. This devastating event has left a lasting impact on the hotel, with many reporting sightings of the distraught mother and hearing her anguished cries.
The Searching Dog of Ramsbury
Area between village and Axford, Ramsbury
In the rolling hills of Wiltshire, near the village of Ramsbury, a phantom hound is said to roam the countryside. This ghostly dog, known as the Searching Dog, is believed to be searching for its master who met a tragic end while cutting down a tree in the late nineteenth century. The hound's presence is marked by the eerie sound of a dragging chain, a haunting reminder of its eternal quest.
Stay Nearby
Haunted hotels and accommodation near Elm tree in village
