MOTHER Shipton’s Cave visitor attraction in Knaresborough has been sold.

Private investors Mr and Mrs Francis Martin have bought the tourist site, which was the home of Mother Shipton, a prophetess who is said to have foretold the end of the world after having allegedly predicted the attack by the Spanish Armada, the Great Fire Of London and the Great Plague in 1665.

The 12-acre attraction, which attracts 65,000 visitors a year, is known for its rare Petrifying Well, which has such a high mineral content that it turns objects to stone, including John Wayne’s hat and Agatha Christie’s handbag, which have been petrified at the attraction.

The attraction, which was previously part-owned by Paul Daniels, was put up for sale in June last year by owners Adrian and Liz Sayers at an asking price of £1.5 million, after a previously arranged deal fell through.

The Sayers thought they had sold the site for £1.8 million last year, but the deal fell through. They plan to take early retirement.

The sale is only the fourth time it has changed hands in 400 years.

The estate also includes a three-bedroomed gatehouse, Prophecy Lodge and a series of timber buildings for staff accommodation and storage as well as the historic riverside and woodland walk, museum of artefacts, tea room, gift shop, two adventure playgrounds and three picnic areas.

The attraction is listed in the National Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England.

Lester Wilson, corporate partner at law firm DWF, which advised on the deal, said: “Mother Shipton’s Cave is a truly unique local attraction with a rich and fascinating history.

“This deal should ensure that the attraction remains a magnet for tourists visiting Knaresborough and North Yorkshire for many years to come.”