William Darrell was the notorious final owner of Littlecote from the Darrell family, known for his wild lifestyle and scandalous behavior. In 1575, he was allegedly involved in an affair with a married woman who became pregnant. When the child was born, Darrell summoned Mother Barnes, a midwife from Great Shefford, to assist with the secret birth. According to legend, Darrell commanded Barnes to save the mother's life but, as soon as the infant was born, he seized it and threw it into the fire to destroy evidence of his affair. This horrific act of infanticide was witnessed by the midwife, though she was sworn to secrecy. Years later, while hunting near Littlecote, Darrell encountered the ghost of the murdered infant. The child's spirit caused his horse to rear and bolt, throwing him to the ground at a spot now known as 'Darrell's Stile,' where he died from his injuries. His death was seen as divine retribution for his heinous crime, and his restless spirit continues to haunt the estate.