Nooks and Corners of Old England by Alan Fea - HTML preview

MELPLASH COURT.

There is a deep picturesque lane near Chideock called "Skenkzies"

which at night-time is particularly dark, and held in awe, for there are

stories of evil spirits lurking about; and little wonder, for close at hand

is a farmhouse called "Hell!" Old customs and superstitions die hard

in western Dorset. Forlorn and love-sick maidens as a special

inducement for their lo

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vers to appear, place their boots at right angles to one another in the

form of a T upon retiring to roost. The charm is said to be irresistible;

but there have been cases where it has failed, when the size has

exceeded "men's eights."