What is the correct spelling of the Tourist Attraction near Leeds, Yorkshire,
England where articles are hung up in water and, over time, petrified?
What is the address of the tourist info office?

Hello there

The park you are looking for is Mother Shipton's Cave.   - "Mother
Shipton's Cave and the Petrifying Well are at the heart of an historic
12-acre woodland park. The woodland you see around you was planted by
Sir Henry Slingsby 230 years ago and is known as The Long Walk - in
fact it is just half a mile from the main entrance to the cave and
well." - From the Mother Shipton's Cave website -
http://www.holdenhurst.co.uk/mothershipton/ - "Mother Shipton's Cave
and Petrifying Well - and her
Prophecies"

"Marvel at the Petrifying Well as it turns objects to stone before
your very eyes! Then step inside the riverside cave where Mother
Shipton was born. Before you leave pause a moment at Mother Shipton's
Wishing Well - it has a very high success rate if you follow her
instructions on how to use it!" - From same site as above

This page from the same website will take you directly to information
about the petrifying well. - "Everyday objects hung in the waterfall
are quickly turned to stone. When Mother Shipton was born this was
deemed witchcraft but the "magical" process is actually due to the
high mineral content of the water."
http://www.holdenhurst.co.uk/mothershipton/well.htm 

Mother Shipton's Cave
Prophecy House, Knaresborough, N Yorkshire HG5 8DD, England
Phone: 01423 864600 Fax: 01423 868888 

Search - google
Terms - Yorkshire tourist attractions

If I may clarify anything, please ask.

Cheers
Digsalot

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Request for Answer Clarification by hansotto-ga on 30 Apr 2004 12:56 PDT

Thank you so much for the info.
I realise that items are petrified due to the minerals min the water - however,
apart from that consideration, was there or is there any other reason why
Mother Shipton would be considered to be a WITCH?
Thank you.

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Clarification of Answer by digsalot-ga on 30 Apr 2004 16:15 PDT

Hi again

It would seem that reputation came about during her own lifetime.

"There were rumours of her powers to avenge unkind remarks, to play
tricks on those who taunted her. "Witch" some would call her, or
"Child of the Devil". She was probably physically malformed perhaps
with a crooked spine or a hunch back." - - Quote from the section of
the website listed above which deals with her prophecies and life.

I doubt very much if it had anything to do with "wicca" as we understand it today. 

I also have to admire her bravery in continuing her prophecies and
lifestyle in a time and place where the mere accusation of witchcraft
could have very dire consequences, deadly ones in fact.

Much of the current reputation could come from the way they portray
her in the park's logo and on the cover of the books.  In the park
logo, they really don't have common symbols of witchdraft, merely a
costume based loosely on what was worn at the time, but they have
managed to give it an overall 'witchy' look.  As much marketing ploy
as anything else.  On some of the book covers, they do give her a
traditional witch's pointed hat.  Once again imagry for marketing
ploy.

Digs