Haunted Places
Harlow Wood
Location: Harlow Wood, nr Mansfield, Nottingham.
Origin: 19th Century
Background: At the bottom of the rise leading up to Harlow Wood on the road between Nottingham and Mansfield (near the site of the Orthopaedic Hospital), there is a memorial stone for Elizabeth Shepherd. This is her story.
Story: On the 8th July 1817, I left my home in Papplewick to look for work in Mansfield. I was making my way home in the evening when a man attacked me. I was so frightened and tried to fight him but he was too strong. He killed me and left me by the road.
My mother had come to look for me and seen me in the distance. She turned for home expecting me to catch up; but I never did. There was outrage when my body was found and soon they captured the man who had murdered me. His name was Charles Rotherham and he was executed.
A stone was erected where my body was found. I
only come back and visit if the stone is moved.
The inscription on the stone reads: This stone is
erected to the memory of Elizabeth Shepherd, of Papplewick, who was
murdered while passing this spot by Charles Rotherham, July 7th, 1817.
Aged 17 years.
© C Walker