Border fortifications resound with tales of a guarded landscape and the fear that shrouded the lives of its people. The once strong barrier of Offa’s Dyke offered some protection, but now it resounds to the sound of footsteps as this long distance trail wends its way from north to south Wales.
Other footsteps will lead on the trail of King Arthur and his Guinevere. Legend says she was born at Caer Ogyrfan, Old Oswestry Hill Fort, that perches on the edge of town. Walk its grassy ridges and rekindle the days of the Round Table, chivalry, knighthood and ladies of the court. Experts and local enthusiasts are now digging into its mysterious past. Once the stronghold of a powerful chieftain, Old Oswestry is the focal point for research projects and archaeology seminars.
And the name Oswestry is the subject of another intriguing legend, its name derived from the Saxon King of Northumbria, Oswald. In losing a battle to the Mercian King Penda, Oswald’s head and arms were cut off and placed in a tree, but his right arm was carried off by an eagle. It was dropped, and in its landing place a spring of water bubbled up, supposedly having miraculous healing powers, thus becoming a place of pilgrimage that you can still visit today. But what of the name Oswestry? Oswald’s Tree......Oswestry?
Other legends are of recent times. The caves at Nesscliffe were the haunt of Sir Humphrey Kynaston, a highwayman more in the mould of Robin Hood than Dick Turpin. And let’s not forget the colourful character Jack Mytton, a man whose cure for hiccups was to set fire to his shirt! He lived near Whittington (is Dick Whittington from here?) and, amongst his many mad escapades, was the time he once rode a bear down his dining room table!
Not quite so funny are the fearful stories of the ghosts and ghouls of Oswestry. Dare you step out on a dark autumn night and help summon up the sinister spirits that haunt our town? Our Town Guides will conjure up their presence and relate to you tales based not on legend but on real sightings!
Likelihood or legend? Fact or folklore? Find out for yourself in Oswestry, where Shropshire meets Wales, and experience the unique atmosphere only a border town can bring.
