Linton has it's roots in Folklore and the far, distant, Prehistoric past

Linton is linked to it's prehistoric and so called pagan past by folklore and tales of dark deeds and traditions.
It is noted for black dogs, fairies, conjuring up the Devil , ceremonies , Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age remains remains .
Harry Speight writing around 1900 tells us that not far from the church 'In a field-wall bedside the road may be seen some huge glacial boulders and there is one very large one one standing alone in the adjoining field, which from one point of view bears a striking resemblance to a human visage; and a notion prevails amongst the young folk of the neighbourhood that this stone will fall on it's face when it hears the cock crow ' To read more about the folklore of the area follow the link  Northern Antiquarian to an excellent site where these stories and traditions are described in detail

Linton Parish Church - all here is not quite what it seems according to Local Folklore

The Parish Church at Linton is not all that it seems . Local folklore tells that is built on a pagan site and indeed this could be true .Saint Michaels and All Angels church dates back to the Twelfth century - one part dates from 1150.

However it is folklore that dominates the local memory around the site . In his work Upper Wharfedale , published in 1900 Harry Speight  records a more ancient practices 
'The practice at Linton was to walk seven times round the church when the doomed one would appear '
This of course being the Devil himself .

Last week we visited Linton near Grassington. As we turned off the main road near here

we spotted Ladywell Cottage a small house which may date back as far as the early seventeenth century . One of the many interesting features of the Grade II Listed building is the roof which was constructed using  Welsh slate  .

The house stands near a well which is said to be a healing well dedicated to The Virgin Mary . The path to the well is to the right of the house and is situated near the river .

                           Path to the Lady Well
Details of this lovely listed building can be found here at the British Listed Buildings page http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/en-324863-ladywell-cottage-threshfield-north-yorks