The Devil in Betley

When I was surveying footpaths in Bowsey Wood recently, I got into conversation with a fellow walker who told me that he had lived in the area all his life and during the course of the conversation asked if I had heard this saying:

Aidley, Maidley, Kalile and Cassle

Uxson,Muxson, Ower and Assan

Ranshall rugged and Raine Hill rough

But Betley's where the Devil went thruff.

As explained to me, it seems that the condition of the roads especially through Betley were so rugged and rough it was suggested that the devil had passed through.  Since the improvement of roads via the introduction of Turnpike Trusts and State responsibility for roads (although at times this is questionable), and faster vehicles, other road problems have become an issue - eg speeding.

Walking down the Main Road this afternoon, the narrowness of sections of the pavement was noted.  If the boundary edges with fields and properties were to be cleared of overgrowing vegetation then the pavement would be at least two feet wider and therefore safer for pedestrians.     




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