The road known as "The Doctor's Gate"--mentioned in the above
story--runs across a portion of Longdendale. In reality it is part of
the old Roman road from Melandra Castle, Gamesley, to the Roman
station at Brough in the Vale of Hope.
With reference to the main incident of this legend, the following
quotation from Sir Walter Scott will be found of interest:--"If you
can interpose a brook between you and witches, spectres, or fiends,
you are in perfect safety."
No date is attached to the legend.