A mystical folklore experience. Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough landmark and England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630. Discover the story of prophetess Mother Shipton and the magical Petrifying Well, a unique geological phenomenon with cascading water turning objects to stone. Mother Shipton was born in a cave next to the River Nidd in 1488 and grew up around Knaresborough. As she grew older, her prophecies became known throughout England.