The translation of the original entry is: "1 outlier (of Costessey), 2 carucates of land. Always 6 Villagers, 6 smallholders, 2 slaves. Then 1 plough in Lordship, now 2. Always 1 men's plough. 4 acres meadow. Always 1 mill."
Although awarded in the Suffolk village of Great Dunmow, a certain Richard Wright of Bawburgh received this award in 1445 claiming not to have regretted his marriage for a year and a day! This was the first recorded award of "bringing home the bacon" although it is thought the trials go back to 1104. The "Flitch Trials" now take place every leap year in which couples must convince a jury of six local bachelors and six local maidens that, for a year and a day, they have never wished themselves unwed. If successful the couple are paraded along the High Street and receive a flitch of bacon.
This is rather a misnomer for one of the Follies once in the grounds of the now-demolished Bawburgh Hall. It is also called The Garden House or more accurately The Banqueting House.
For more information see V is for the Vicars of BawburghThe Rev. Hicks Thomas Deacle, who not only has a fascinating name, but was incumbent at Bawburgh Church for a staggering 30 years, between 1830 and 1860. The Rev. Herbert Llewellyn Davies (1948-1954). Was instrumental in re-igniting the waning interest in the Church’s Saint Walstan. Not only did he orchestrate a play in Saint Walstan’s honour, but organised the first pilgrimage to the Well for 20 years (in 1951).
Return to History Alphabet