– 21st June 2019 –
Mitchell’s Fold (sometimes called Medgel’s Fold) is a Bronze Age stone circle in South-West Shropshire, located on dry heathland at the south-west end of Stapeley Hill. The name of the circle may derive from ‘micel’ or ‘mycel’, Old English for ‘big’, referring to the size of this large circle.
Mitchell’s Fold Stone Circle was constructed in the Bronze Age, over 3,000 years ago, using dolerite stones from nearby Stapeley Hill. Today there are 15 stones, arranged in a rough circle, but there may once have been as many as 30. Much of this damage is ancient.
The tallest stone was once one of a pair, and these would have formed an impressive entrance into the circle. It is thought that there may also have been a central stone.
The Legend
A carving in Middleton Church recalls a time during the Middle Ages when a great drought swept Shropshire. It is said that during a time of famine, a fairy gave a magic cow that provided an endless supply of milk. One night an evil witch milked her into a sieve. When the cow realised the trick, she disappeared. The witch was turned to stone and a circle of stones was erected around her, to ensure that she could not escape.
To visit the stone circle leave the A488 between Bishop’s Castle and Shrewsbury, look for the turn onto a minor road to Priest Weston with a brown sign to the stone circle. After about a mile and a half, park at the road end of a rough track and walk up to Mitchell’s Fold.
Summer Solstice 2019
