Hello, Buggyite,
I have read with interest the theories surrounding the mystery of the gate posts and have kept out of the debate. All have been completely wrong and I shall now tell the true tale as to exactly why they and the path were abandoned all those years ago:
The Gates were actually an entrance to St James’ church in Bugsworth and were used on a regular basis for mourners coming from the Chinley direction so as to avoid the downhill and then the uphill struggle whilst bearing the coffin. It was constructed as a short cut if you like and paid for by the local board.
That is until one day a long time ago!
A local Buggy man, we shall call him George for the purpose of this story as he still has relatives in the village, was found dead in his back yard, and as the weather was a bit on the warm side, the wake was reduced to only two days, so his mortal remains wouldn't take a bad turn.
At last his friends laid him in the box, nailed it shut and started off towards the churchyard. As it was a long way from George’s house and the mourners were tired and a bit tipsy, one fellow lurched into the gatepost as they entered the entrance to the graveyard. Suddenly a loud knocking came from in the coffin.
George was alive!
They opened the box up and he sat up, wide eyed, and they all said, “It's a miracle of God! And right here in Buggy. George you are back among us”
They all rejoiced and they went back and had a few more drinks at George’s house but later that day, poor George died; again.
But this time he really died. He was stone cold dead.
They quickly bundled him back into his box, and as they huffed and puffed back down the road the next morning, once more exhausted, they came to the track and the gate posts.
The vicar paused the entourage and quietly said, "Careful now, boys; mind we don't bump the gatepost again".
And from that day the track has been sealed off and the splendid gateposts have become something of a mystery. Until now, of course
Sorry to disappoint all who have made incorrect guesses.
R. S-S
