Madgy Figgy's Chair

What it is

Madgy Figgy's Chair is a granite outcrop located at Gwennap Head near St Levan in Cornwall. The stone rests on a stack of blocks known as the Chair Ladder, creating a form that resembles a seat. It is tied to the memory of Madgy Figgy, a woman from local mythology described as a witch. She is said to have led a gang of witches and men who engaged in wrecking, a practice of luring ships onto rocks to steal their cargo.

Where it comes from

The stories originate from the folklore of the St Levan area in Cornwall. Robert Hunt recorded these tales in his 1865 work, Popular Romances of the West of England. The legends describe Figgy as a resident of St Levan who used the chair to perform magic. The site itself is a natural geological feature that acquired cultural significance through these narratives of supernatural activity and criminal enterprise.

How it is done

According to the tales, Figgy would sit in the chair to conjure up storms. These artificial weather events were intended to drive ships ashore so her gang could plunder them. Other magical acts included cursing treasure found on washed-up bodies and using spells to control animals, such as causing a pig to become uncontrollable or freeing it from a bridge with a chant.

Tools and materials

The primary tool is the granite rock itself, which serves as a focal point for rituals. Stories also mention a curse mark found on a victim's body and a mysterious blue light that appeared over the chair. This light was said to travel to where Figgy stored stolen goods, guiding an African man who later recovered some items.

What it is for

The magic was used for harm and gain. Storms were raised to destroy property and enable theft. Curses protected valuables from others. Spells manipulated livestock for leverage in trade. The practices reflect a belief in the power to influence nature and human affairs through supernatural means.

Who does it

Madgy Figgy is portrayed as a powerful witch and leader. She commanded a group of followers and used her abilities to coordinate wrecks and manage stolen goods. The stories present her as a central figure in a network of illicit activity, relying on her magical skills to achieve her goals.

Peoples and places

The legends are specific to Cornwall, particularly the parish of St Levan. They are part of the broader tradition of West Country folklore. The tales have persisted in local memory and have been referenced in later publications about Celtic mythology and American folk interpretations of British legends.

What people believe

The stories operate within a worldview where witches can command weather and spirits. Magic is depicted as a practical tool for crime and personal advantage. The presence of curses and spectral lights suggests a belief in tangible supernatural consequences and signs.

When it is done

The activities are described as ongoing practices during Figgy's lifetime rather than seasonal rites.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Robert Hunt documented the romances in the nineteenth century. Bob Curran has discussed the myths in the context of Celtic mythology and its transmission to American folklore. The accounts are treated as examples of local legend and popular romance rather than historical fact.

Compare and confuse

Figgy is similar to other witch figures in Cornish lore who are associated with specific locations. The wrecking gangs she leads resemble those found in other coastal regions where maritime crime was common.

Law and persecution

Wrecking was a serious crime. The legends remain a matter of folklore rather than legal history.

Questions people ask about Madgy Figgy's Chair

Good reading and sources

• Madgy Figgy's Chair on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data