Who put Bella in the Wych Elm? The story that still haunts the area, seventy years on

You couldn't write a better plot - murder, witchcraft, World War 2 German spies, this story has got the lot, together with the fascinating but eerie message that appeared across the Stourbridge, Hagley and Black Country areas over the years: "Who put Bella in the Wych Elm?" Books have been written about it, numerous articles in the press, TV, even an opera was written, such is the enduring fascination with Bella, who she was and how and why she met her grisly end.

Rather than attempt to write my own watered down version of the story I felt it was better to leave it to the professionals and put a link to author Brian Haughton's web pages on the subject. There is also information about Bella on Wikipedia and there are even videos on the topic on Youtube to be found. Apparently the Wych Elm was destroyed long ago so please do not attempt to locate it, and the woods are private anyway. However there is plenty of great walking in the area, Clent Hills and Wychbury Hill, the two are separated by the rather busy A456 dual carriageway so do be careful when crossing if you intend to walk both.

Hagley Monument - Click photo to enlarge

The Hagley Monument on Wychbury Hill shown above is part of the nearby Hagley Hall estate, seat of the Cobham family. Wychbury Hill itself is home to an iron age fort and does have a rather mysterious atmosphere.

Wychbury Hill left, Clent Hills right
Click on photo to enlarge