The old story of “Devil’s Drive” in Newton Copse, near Yeovil, has captivated generations with its eerie and mysterious aura. According to a subscriber known only as GFR in the 1893 edition of the Somerset and Dorset Notes and Queries, the secluded lane was believed to be frequented by “his Satanic Majesty” and other unearthly spirits.
The journal recounts a strange natural clearing within the copse, described as wide enough for a horse and carriage, yet too treacherous for any practical use. GFR’s account paints a picture of an overgrown avenue steeply descending from Summerhouse Hill, intersecting with a footpath and shrouded in ghostly tales.
The subscriber recalls chilling accounts of spectral sightings and peculiar occurrences associated with the area. They described how local legends narrated that the land forming the avenue was barren of trees, and the devil and his cohorts were frequently observed during the bewitching hours of the night, taking an otherworldly drive through the ethereal path. One harrowing tale tells of a townsman encountering “his Satanic Majesty” during a midnight journey, prompting a stark warning to only walk by day and allow the spirits to take flight.
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Even after departing from the Yeovil area, GFR remained deeply affected by the gripping narrative, pondering whether the intertwining of earthly and otherworldly muses could be attributed to the devil’s potential plagiarism. The story, documented in the journal and referenced by Yeovil Historian Jack Sweet, continues to evoke a sense of wonder and intrigue.