The Worm | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Penshaw Hill 2

Image by Joolio Geordio

Penshaw Monument

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TomBo Apr 23, 2004 05:52:38

Replying to BrigantesNation

"I have yet to see any documentory evidence (other than the name) that links worm hill to the Lambton Worm story."

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/17690

The song was written by C.M. Leumane in 1867 for a pantomime that was performed in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, at the Tyne Theatre.

Has anyone visited Worm Hill? And how about Worm's Rock (an island in the middle of the Wear, apparently) and Worm's Well?

TomBo Apr 23, 2004 06:15:20

Replying to TomBo

Also...

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/post/27197

It seems we have two versions of the tale. On the one hand there's this one, with no mention of Penshaw. On the other hand is the song, which mentions it. Given that the song was written for a pantomime, I'm inclined to think that the Worm has only been associated with Penshaw in recent times. I suspect that the author of the song wanted a landmark more well-known than Worm Hill. Obviously I can't say for sure, though.

BrigantesNation Apr 23, 2004 09:46:54

Replying to TomBo

What's the reference for the prose?

Rhiannon Apr 23, 2004 17:03:49

Replying to TomBo

TomBo (and others) you may be interested in these links which are about holy wells and dragons:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/lispring/sourcearchive/fs3/fs3ac1.htm

and part two at
http://www.bath.ac.uk/lispring/sourcearchive/fs4/fs4ac1.htm