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31
May 2021
WATCH: BBC film of Julian Pettifer's visit to Mother Shipton's Cave in 1965
Fifty-six years ago, BBC reporter Julian Pettifer came to Knaresborough to explore the legend of the town's prophetess. As well as making a wish, he left behind a glove at the cave's dropping, or petrifying, well.
Julian Pettifer reported from Knaresborough on the legend of Old Mother Shipton, where he looked at the dropping well and caves. This was first broadcast as part of Tonight on 22 February 1965. (Photo: BBC)
Fifty-six years ago, BBC reporter Julian Pettifer came to Knaresborough to cover the legend of Mother Shipton, while looking at the dropping well and caves.
A teddy bear, pair of baby booties and a top hat are seen dangling under the roof of the well, which is also known as a petrifying well, being slowly turned to stone by the water.
Standing at the top of a ladder leaning against the dripping roof, Mr Pettifer strings up a glove alongside the other items.
He says:
"The water of this spring contains so much calcium that, well, looks what happens to Teddy. He's been in here for three years and he's far from cuddly."
He adds:
"This has been a tourist attraction in Knaresborough since 1630, and now the tourist trade has developed so much that in the summer 5,000 people come here every week to have a look at it."
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Mr Pettifer goes on to make a wish at the wishing well, retell the legend of Mother Shipton and her prophecies, and interview the great-granddaughter of the man who turned the site into a tourist attraction.
The video was first broadcast on February 22 1965, as part of Tonight, which covered the arts, sciences, topical matters and current affairs. The clip is is now part of a BBC film archive.
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