South Baddesley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Baddesley |
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 St. Mary's Church, South Baddesley |
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 South Baddesley
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| OS grid reference | SZ3510696570 |
| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | LYMINGTON |
| Postcode district | SO41 |
| Dialling code | 01590 |
| Police | Hampshire |
| Fire | Hampshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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South Baddesley is a small village located in the New Forest National Park in Hampshire, England. It's part of the civil parish of Boldre. The village is about 2.3 miles (3.7 km) north-east of Lymington, which is its closest town.
Contents
The Mysterious Groaning Tree
South Baddesley is famous for a strange event that happened long ago. In 1791, a local writer named William Gilpin wrote about "the groaning-tree of Badesly." This story tells of a mysterious sound heard around 1750.
What Was the Groaning Tree?
A villager in South Baddesley often heard a sound like someone in great pain. It seemed to come from behind his house. He soon found out the noise was coming from an elm tree.
The Tree's Fame Spreads
Word of the groaning tree spread quickly. Within a few weeks, many people came to hear it. Even important figures like Frederick, Prince of Wales and Princess Augusta visited. People wondered what caused the sound. Was it something natural or something supernatural? No one could find a clear answer.
The Mystery Ends
The tree kept groaning on and off for about 18 to 20 months. Finally, the tree's owner decided to drill a hole into its trunk. He hoped to find out what was making the noise. After that, the tree never groaned again. Later, the tree was even dug up, but nothing unusual was found inside. The mystery of the groaning tree remains unsolved!
The Legend of the Stratford Lyon
Another interesting local story is about a creature called the Stratford Lyon. This legend is connected to the Red Lion pub in nearby Boldre.
What is the Stratford Lyon?
The Stratford Lyon is said to be a giant red lion. It has a wild mane, bright yellow eyes, and large teeth. The most unusual part is its huge antlers, like those of a stag. The story says that John Stratford (verderer) pulled this creature from the ground. This happened in a wood called Haresmede in South Baddesley, either in the late 1300s or early 1400s.
Sightings of the Creature
People have reported seeing this monster over many years. There were sightings as early as the 1700s. Believe it or not, some people even claimed to see the Stratford Lyon in the 1900s! It's a fascinating piece of local folklore.
See also
- North Baddesley
