if you grew up in Stainforth in the 1970s or 1980s you will definitely know the name, Raggy arm.
Legend had it that he was some kind of ghoulish old man who resided at the back of the green hill on East Lane, (the pit tip as it was locally known) directly adjacent to the coal mine. No child would venture to play on the top or the sides of the pit tip after dark for fear of being chased by this zombie like character.
It’s not clear where the legend started, but it would make sense that this story was put around by the National Coal Board, who were always trying to keep kids away from the dangerous heavy machinery and railway system at the rear of the coal mine. If anyone knows better, please let us know.
