Local Folk Lore - a Ghost Story

 A short walk from my home brings me to the Tokenbury Estate; access is via a tarmac surfaced drive which is open to walkers . There are signs saying that cycling is not allowed, dogs must be kept on leads and a request that you clear up after your dog.  Fair enough, as the drive, its boundary walls and surrounding fields are kept in immaculate condition. The views from there are beautiful, as I hope these photos show. 

A Cornish Hedge on the left, dividing the drive from the village cemetery; this one is topped with beech hedging and a few wildflowers -

 

On the opposite side, a neater Cornish Hedge topped with turf which is always trimmed short.

Looking north-west with moorland in the far distance.

And here is where the folk lore begins . . . .

As you stand beside the entrance to Tokenbury Manor you see a grove of beech trees.  In the 17th century, at the time of the Civil War, the Cavaliers were marching up the main road to Caradon (this is the one that leads into Jimmy Goodman's Lane)  At that time, it was the King's army's practice to force any able bodied men they encountered on their march to join the Army. Three of the recruits tried to escape but sadly they were caught and hung from these trees as an example.

The story continues -

In November 1976 Mr. Bill Stapleton of Pensilva had cause to visit the manager of Tokenbury and after their business was concluded, he remained and they played cards.  It was after 11pm when he started to cycle home. It was a crisp, frosty night and the whole world sparkled in the moonlight. When he reached the gate opposite the grove he stopped and looked at the beautiful view. A man appeared beside the gate and Bill assumed he had walked behind him. 

He said: 'It's a beautiful night' 

'Yes,' replied the stranger, 'but there will be a heavy frost in the morning.' 

'Do you live around here?' asked Bill. 

'Yes,' replied the stranger. 

'Have you been here for very long?' The stranger threw back his head, laughed and said 'I have been here for a very long time!'

It was then Bill saw the vivid red weal of the hangman's noose. As he stared in amazement the man faded but the last memory Bill had was of his manic laughter.

He never traversed that drive again after dark !!!