Mickleton in Bloom
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Mickleton in Bloom
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Meon Hill |
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Meon Hill, the furthest of the Costwold mounds, has been surrounded by strange tales for many centuries, concerning devilish deeds and ancient hauntings. One legend from the eighth century says the Devil kicked a boulder from the top of the hill, intending to smash the recently built Evesham Abbey. His angry deed was thwarted by the locals' prayers and the stone instead fell on Cleeve Hill, outside Cheltenham  Meon Hill bathed in winter sunshine People there then carved the stone into the shape of a cross to rid it of evil from the Devil's touch. Another version of the tale says the Devil threw a large clod of earth to smother the newly built abbey. However, the Bishop of Worcester saw the devil and with the power of prayer altered the devil's aim. In this version, the clod fell short of its target and formed Meon Hill. There is also a legend that phantom hounds of the Celtic king Arawyn hunt the hill at night. The king was the lord of departed spirits who would hunt to gather souls, riding a pale horse and accompanied by a pack of white hounds with red ears. Mysterious black dogs have also been sighted in the area on many occasions. |
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