The Miraculous Image of Ashingdon

Up on that hill is Ashingdon church, where medieval pilgrims are said to have crawled on their knees to a wonder-working image.

Early in the 14th century a rector of Ashingdon placed an image in his hilltop church that was said to work miracles. Crowds came to it. Tradition says some pilgrims crawled up the hill on their knees, and the saint's prayers were thought especially powerful for women who wanted children. Neighbouring clergy, losing income, complained, and the Bishop of London sent a commission to look into it. The result is not recorded. Philip Benton called it gross superstition and imposture, and the 18th-century historian Salmon joked that the thin parson wanted butter for his turnips. For generations afterwards it was thought lucky to be married in Ashingdon church.