The besom, or broom, is often associated with witches and witchcraft. The fossils were first discovered on the surface at Besom Farm Quarry. Birch brushwood is used for racecourse jumps and besom brooms. Some speculate the ointment was applied to the end of the Besom and administered vaginally. Along with Tadley, Baughurst is associated with the manufacture of besom brooms. A broomsquire is someone who makes besom brooms for a living. The couple jump over the besom during the ceremony. The village is known for its feud with Tadley in the manufacture of besom brooms. The stories of witches flying on brooms originated from the besom. A traditional Wiccan besom is a hawthorn stave handle with bristles made from birch twigs. The besom is thought to be involved with fairies. From the phrase "broom besom" the more common "broom" comes. A besom is a broom, a household implement used for sweeping. The besom is an important part of Wiccan handfasting ceremonies in some traditions. "Factory Folk", "Besom Ben Stories", and "The Chimney Corner".