The Lambton Worm
The Lambton Worm is a legend that comes from County Durham in the North East of England, and surrounds the family of John the Earl of Lambton. The story takes place around the area of the Lambton Estate and the River Wear. It is one of the most well known oral folktales of the area and has been adapted into songs, and even pantomimes.
The Origin Story
As with a lot of oral folklore there are many versions, but here is a general telling of the tale.
As a child John skipped church to go fishing, but unfortunately he he didn't catch much in the way of fish. But he did catch a curious creature that he eventually rather callously threw into the well.
Over time John grew up and left the area. The creature also grew up, but into a terrible creature that began to eventually wreck horrific damage and carnage on the surrounding land. John had inadvertently unleashed a terrible monster.
After many years John returned and vowed to rid his lands of the creature. In some tales he was advised by a witch, in others the witch is not mentioned at all. The witch in this case told John that after he had killed the worm he had to chop off the head to ensure it was dead and to then kill the first living thing that he saw afterwards to avoid a terrible curse from befalling his family for years to come.
Unfortunately once John had killed the creature, the first thing he saw was his father and so he could not fulfill that part of the act. So his family was cursed for generations while the rest of the countryside returned to peace and quiet.
Key Locations
Runs from the Pennine ranges and flows Eastward towards the sea at Sunderland. The Historic City of Durham stands on the Wear and there are many lovely walkways along it's miles of riverbanks.
The River Wear
This hill is said to have been the actual hill that the worm coiled itself around. It can be found and visited at Fatfields, Sunderland.
Worm Hill
This is a local hill and monument that is now looked after by the National Trust. The neoclassical structure at the top of the hill was built in the 1800's. It is also said to have been the hill that the monster curled around
Penshaw Monument
Continue the Journey.....
Read this legend reimagined through the world of Storied Landscapes in Reimagined Tales.