Wayland Smith's cave

 

Richard Jefferies wrote about the Wayland Smithy (just off the Ridgeway) in an article for the North Wilts Herald published on 2 November 1867. He wrote under the name 'Geoffrey' and there were eight articles in all as part of his 'History of Swindon and Antiquities of its Environs' that was later published as Jefferies Land and edited by Grace Toplis in 1896.

 

"It has much the appearance of an altar. Sacrifices may have been offered to the deceased Dane [King Bagsac] – if he was interred beneath. Some think it a work of the Druids. It is evidently very ancient, being mentioned in a Saxon charter as a land mark. The country people call it Wayland Smith’s cave, and tell a story of an invisible smith who shoed traveller’s horses on condition of their laying a groat upon the altar-stone and then retiring out of sight - whistling when hid as a signal, and leaving the horse near. Presently there would be a tinkling of hammers, and on returning to the spot the horse would be found shod and no one in sight. This legend came under the notice of Sir Walter Scott, who is said to have visited the place. He has embodied it in the novel of Kenilworth. The legend is thought to have originated in a Danish superstition concerning spirits who dwelt in rocks, and were cunning workmen in iron and steel."