Mary Baguley

The logo of Heild End Farm is a witch on a broomstick, to remember Mary Baguley. Mary lived in Wildboarclough, Cheshire. She was accused of using witchcraft to kill a man called Robert Hall, who lived in the nearby village of Wincle. She was found guilty and was hanged for her 'crimes'. She was the last woman to be hanged for witchcraft in England.

Cheshire witches and witch hunters

Mary died in 1675, a time when communities here, in the United States, and across Europe were gripped with fear about witchcraft and the work of the Devil. Many thousands of women - often older, poorer women - were accused, tried, and executed for witchcraft. Many of their names and stories have been lost to history.

Mary and Heild End Farm

Legend suggests that Mary Baguley casted her spells at Heild Rocks, a rocky outcrop in the woods just opposite the farmhouse. It is said that she was discovered one dark and stormy night, conjuring the spell which eventually killed Robert Hall and which led to her trial for witchcraft. Her ghost can be seen each Hallowe'en, eerily walking up through the farm and over to the old Eagle and Child tavern. Anyone unlucky enough to cross her path risks being turned to stone. (NB there is no evidence that Mary ever visited Heild End Farm or Heild Rocks, nor is there any legend about her related to the farm.)