In the early 19th century, a woman named Lyddie Shears, who was termed the Winterslow Witch, allegedly lived in the village. Some regard her as a legend rather than an actual person. The main story that involves her states that she used to be able to tell farmers and poachers where hares could be found. The local vicar suggested to one farmer that next time he goes looking for hares, he should melt down a silver sixpence and make a bullet from it, using it on the next hare he shot. This he did, but when he went to retrieve the animal, it was nowhere to be found. Some time later, locals discovered the body of Lyddie Shears in her cottage. Apparently, a post-mortem found a silver bullet in her heart...

 

Locals refuse to enter Bentley Wood, as this was once the home of Lyddie Shears. There is “strange, eerie atmosphere” in there that puts many people off spending time in it.