medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Just had to reply to this off the top of my head, dredging up a memory from
way back when ...
If I can find a source for this one I will include it in my next.
Once upon a time - time of the Crusades actually - a London merchant on a
trading venture to the Middle East fell in love with a Saracan maid and
promised her marriage (or something ..) She reciprocated heartily. However,
on the next tide he sailed away leaving her behind. Knowing only two words
of English ("London" and "Gilbert" - the name of her lover) the lady sold
her jewels and went down to the quay and asked for "London" until she found
a ship that would take her there. On arriving in London, she walked the
streets calling out the name "Gilbert" until someone guided her to the
correct door. Gilbert a Becket, amazed and overcome with shame at his
heartlessness and admiration for her love and constancy, promptly agreed to
marry her forthwith provided she was baptised. These two necessary
conditions having been met, they settled down and lived happily ever after
and the fruit of the union was - Thomas a Becket.
Now I can't say where this amazing piece of fiction comes from. It may have
a Victorian air because I possibly read it in a Victorian version. I suspect
it is a folk tale whaich has got itself attached to Thomas, tho' at what
date, and whether by his admirers or his detractors I cannot say.
I fancy, on second thoughts, that I read in it verse form, as a ballad or
such like called "Young Becket" or "Young Bechin" or some such..
Brenda M.C.
Subject: [M-R] family tree of thomas becket
Does anyone know of any traditions, genuine
> or fictional, concerning Thomas Beckets family
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