In the county of Shropshire can be found a place known as Wenlock Edge which is a rocky escarpment fifteen miles in length and runs between Craven Arms and Much Wenlock. It is three hundred and thirty metres in height and is so large it can be seen from outer space. However this story took place long before the space age, the foklore researcher Charlotte Burne brought to light a medieval story relating to outlaws and robbers who were operating in the area around Presthope. One of these outlaws had the unusual name of Ippikin and it is claimed that he and his followers lived in a cave on Wenlock Edge at the base of a rock which became known as Ippikin’s rock. It was in this cave that Ippikin and his followers stored their treasure which had been plundered from the surrounding area and they also used this as a well concealed base camp. One day a large rock fall occurred which sealed the entrance of the cave trapping Ippikin and his followers within along with all their treasure. It is said that Ippikin had used to wear a massive gold chain and the imprint has been left on one of the rocks, maybe the bodies of Ippikin and his men are still entombed within the cave as it is said that they starved to death when their food ran out. Ippikin’s ghost is still said to haunt the area, perhaps it is guarding the treasure to this day, to make him appear you should stand on the cliff top above the cave and say: Ippikin, Ippikin! Keep away with your long chin. However if you should choose to do this make sure you are well tethered down as apparently when he appears he will push the summoner over the cliff edge to be dashed to death on the rocks below!

Photo by Tamaranth courtesy of Flikr.