Wild Edric: The Rebel Knight of the Stiperstones

And why your stay at Black Rhadley Cabin might just brush shoulders with a legend…

Welcome to Secret Shropshire, where legends are stitched into the hills, and history feels just a breath away. If you’re staying at Black Rhadley Cabin, you’re not only soaking in woodland peace and big skies—you’re also right on the edge of one of England’s most magical, mysterious tales.

Let us introduce you to Wild Edric – the original Shropshire outlaw, local folk hero, and eternal rider of the hills.

Who was Wild Edric?

Believe it or not, Edric was real. A Saxon nobleman in the 11th century, he owned huge stretches of land across Shropshire and the Welsh borderlands. When William the Conqueror turned up with his army, Edric fought fiercely to defend his people and his territory.

Eventually, he made peace—but the story doesn’t end there. According to local folklore, he was betrayed, trapped in the lead mines beneath the Stiperstones, and now roams the hills with his fairy bride, Lady Godda, whenever England is in danger.

The Legend Lives On...

People say Edric never truly left.
Here are a few signs you might be sharing the hills with something (or someone) a little... otherworldly:

  • A rider in a green cloak and feathered cap, seen galloping across the heather at dusk.

  • The sound of hoofbeats or howling dogs during storms or troubled times.

  • Tapping sounds in the rocks, guiding miners to safety or treasure.

  • Birdsong with a story – Edric’s seven brothers are said to have been turned into birds, and their cries still echo across the hills.

A woman in Minsterley even reported hearing a thunder of hooves one evening, only to see ghostly riders streak past her and vanish into the mist. Some say Edric is called back during wars – he was spotted riding toward Europe during World War II.

Why Black Rhadley Cabin Is the Perfect Base for Edric’s Story

Here at Heather and Stone, we’re nestled at the edge of Edric’s ancient lands. When you stay at Black Rhadley Cabin, you’re in the very landscape he once rode to protect—and maybe still does.

Our cabin is a calm, cosy retreat with wild skies, hidden walks, and a perfect blend of comfort and nature. Think woodland edges, curlew calls, fire pits, and a steaming outdoor wood-fired bath under the stars.

Whether you believe in legends or just love a good story, Edric’s spirit is part of the Stiperstones. And that makes your stay just a little bit more magical.

Fun Edric Facts (to Impress Around the Firepit)

  • Edric is said to sleep beneath the Stiperstones, ready to rise again.

  • His seven lost brothers may still be seen flying as birds across the ridge.

  • Some believe he was never conquered – and still roams free.

  • He’s credited with saving miners from disasters by tapping warnings in the rocks.

  • He's Shropshire's answer to King Arthur – gallant, noble, and not quite gone.

Walk in His Footsteps

📍 The Stiperstones Ridge
Start from The Bog Visitor Centre (just down the road from us) and walk the dramatic rocky path that overlooks Edric’s domain.

📍 Snailbeach Lead Mine
Visit this historic site where Edric is said to whisper guidance to miners through the rock.

📍 The Devil’s Chair
The craggy seat-like rock on the ridge – some say Edric was imprisoned here before he disappeared into legend.

Come for the Story, Stay for the Magic

The legend of Wild Edric isn’t scary—it’s beautiful, strange, and full of heart. Just like the Shropshire hills themselves. And who knows? If you’re walking the ridge at twilight, you might just hear hoofbeats in the heather.

Book your stay at www.heatherandstone.co.uk and step into the legend yourself.