The legend of the Rollright Stones is that a strong invading king was crossing the country when stopped by a witch (named as Mother Shipton in many versions). She challenged him saying:
"Seven long strides shalt thou take, and
If Long Compton thou canst see
King of England thou shalt be"
The King and most of his men strode confidently forward but as they approached the top of the hill a great mound grew in front of them obscuring their view.
The Witch concluded
"As Long Compton thou canst see
King of England thou shalt not be.
Rise up stick, and stand still stone,
For King of England thou shalt be none,
Thou and thy men hoar stones shall be
And I myself an elden tree.
The king and his men were turned to stone. The king was alone, almost on the crest of the hill. His stone, called the King Stone and stands the opposite side of the road the stone circle which makes up the body of his men. It has been said that some of his men plotted against him and were huddled together a few metres away across the field, this group of stones is now called the Whispering Knights. The three groups of stones make up The Rollright Stones but because they are apart they have to be viewed separately.
The Rollright Stones has long been the meeting place of witches. Throughout history the number of local witches is the source of many tales and legends. Little Compton is still famed for its witch population.
Legend has it that anybody who counts the stones three times and counts the same number each time is about to have some terrible misfortune visit them.
I must admit to having counted the stones several times, each time with the dread of managing the same number twice because I would have to complete the trio...and being relieved not ever to have got the same twice never mind three times.
Another of the local old stories is that a baker once reckoned that he could count the stones by baking a bun for each stone and then laying them out upon the stones. He did not count on the fairies eating them between times, so he failed too. I'm in good company!
Whatever the truth of the stones there seems to be a magical, powerful quality about the place which will bring visitors to soak up the atmosphere throughout the year. It is a lovely place to walk with beautiful views in the middle of beautiful countryside.