In the small and quaint village of Whichford, located near latitude 52.09214900000001 and longitude -1.94677, a tale as old as time has continued to thrill and spook both locals and visitors alike. The story dates back to the 1700s, centring around an infamous character known as the Witch of Whichford. As per local lore, this so-called ‘witch’ was a powerful and feared entity, known for her eerily accurate prophecies and practiced sorcery. Kept at an arm’s length by the villagers, she lived secluded in a small hut on the outskirts.
One particular prophecy that she made gained notoriety over the years, not just for its vivid depiction but for its unnerving fulfilment. She foretold that upon her death, she would return in a phantom coach driven by a headless horseman, travelling at high speed through the village into her hut, and taking whoever crossed her path back to the netherworld with her.
As the story goes, after her death, a wealthy and unlikeable squire, known for his mistreatment of the witch, was returning home late one foggy night. Suddenly, he heard the thundering of horse hooves and the creaking of carriage wheels. As per the witch’s prophecy, a phantom coach appeared, driven by a headless horseman and carrying the witch. Terrified, he tried to run but in vain. He was never seen again.
Skeptics may dismiss this as mere folklore; however, the locals believe that the phantom coach still tour the village streets on moonless nights, causing an eerie quietness to descend and any sensible resident to lock their doors and windows. The story remains entrenched in the history and culture of Whichford, a chilling reminder of the village’s ghostly past.