The cave which may have been home to a white witch

Hidden in a sandstone cliff beside a river in Surrey lies a small cave that has inspired rumours, legends and ghostly tales for centuries.

Known as Mother Ludlam's Cave, the site beside the River Wey in Moor Park near Farnham combines documented medieval history with one of the county's best-known folk legends.

According to local folklore, Mother Ludlam was a benevolent white witch who lived in the cave and helped her neighbours.

Cave owner, Mike Grindy, told Secret Surrey: ""She was apparently very nice, very helpful and kind to everyone."

The first documentation of the cave dates from 1128 by the monks at nearby Waverley Abbey, Grindy said.

"Legend has it that Mother Ludlam moved into the cave when the monks left after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th Century.

"All variations of the story say she was a white witch.

"She had a cauldron and she would often sit in the corner of the cave."

Villagers in need of household goods would visit the cave and ask for what they required, Grindy said.

Pots, pans and other useful items would mysteriously appear, provided they were returned promptly.

So, does Grindy believe the cave is haunted?

"I have noticed things happening," he said.

"There are things I have put in here that have disappeared.

"I think there's probably some element of truth in the legend of Mother Ludlam."

He said wealthy landowners would often "hire someone to live in spaces like this as entertainment for their own guests" and it could have "originated from that".

"I like the fact that she's a white witch - happy and helpful - and we need more of that sort of thing today," he added.

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