One of the most famous folktales in England is related to this place. So many of this type are associated with ancient barrows and standing stones, all with the same basic tale.
With regards to this particular tale, a farmer – long long ago, was traveling to sell his white mare to market at Macclesfield. An old bearded man stopped him along the way in the woods near Alderley Edge and gave an offer to buy the mare. The farmer refused flat, in his mind to get a better price at the village market. The old man cursed the farmer and exclaimed, ‘You will find no one to buy her today.’ And he was right. Many took a look at the mare, but no one bought her. On his way home the farmer was surprised to see the old man waiting at the very spot he left him in the morning. The old man ordered the farmer to follow him; which he did. They came to a rock face and at the old man’s touch, magical gates opened from it revealing a cavern that led down into the earth.
upon climbing down into the cavern, the farmer and the old man discovered a host of warriors and their mounts. All but one. They were all white horses and only one warrior was left unmounted. The old man explained that they were waiting til the hour of England’s greatest need or fearful battle, where her fate would hang in the balance.
Thrice lost shall England be, thrice won,
‘Twixt dawn of the day and setting sun.
Then dabbled wings shall ravens toss,
Croaking o’er bloodstained Headless Cross
The gobsmacked Farmer was more than happy to take the gold proffered for the mare and he hastily escaped the cavern. The gates in the rock face gave a great clang when they shut behind him and most people say they have never been seen again. Though some do say a maid has once glimpsed them and children still look for them now.