Wayland Smith

( Originally Published Late 1800's )

About a mile westward from White Horse Hill is a mutilated Druidical remain, bearing the appellation of " Wayland Smith." A singular tradition is connected with this name ; for the peasants in the neighbourhood relate that this mysterious spot was formerly inhabited by an invisible blacksmith, who good-naturedly shod any horse that was left here, provided a piece of money was deposited at the same time to reward the labours of the workman. The remains of this vestige of antient custom indicates its having been a large cromlech elevated on a barrow, and surrounded by a circle of upright stones.