Short story writer Della Galton asked for a Dorset song for her book. She meant us to look for one. Instead, I wrote one. First I checked out the local landmarks, which I found on the county website. Where is Dorset? On England's south-west coast.
Dorset with a coast in Southern England, UK
Cerne Abbas Giant, Dorset, England.
The Cerne Abbas giant, a figure cut into the chalk through the grass. This well-known local landmark was one of the items I sought to see last time I drove through Dorset on my way to the coves of Cornwall.
St Catherine's Chapel on the hilltop, from afar.
On my first to Dorset I did not know about the legend. On my last visit to Dorset, I was with my husband, who was not keen on the idea of St Catherine helping you find a husband.
If I had known, I would have gone there. Huff, puff uphill for the view - and St Catherine's Chapel outside from the hilltop
Finally, a haunted house. Athelhampton.
Athelhampton Hall House in Dorset, England, UK
I was ready to write a ballad.
I wrote:
Here you are. I checked local landmarks and legends online. Here's an ancient Dorset song, from 8.50 April 21st 2020, by Angela Lansbury. It starts
:I went to St Catherine's Chapel,
For it's said she will answer your prayer,
'Please send me a husband, who's wealthy'
But only two poor men were there.
One of them said to me, 'Darling,
Why don't we go for a walk?
I'll take you to see the great giant -
Whose ample physique is carved in the chalk!'
I said, 'Sorry, dear, you're not for me
For you're poor as a little church mouse.'
To scare him away, I ended the day
At haunted Athel-hampton House!
Mother said, 'Our sensible God only helps
A person with skills who will help himself.
You can add up a bill and read lots of books
What else does a man need to share health and wealth?
'You're young and pretty but age fades your looks
What's missing, that's lasting? You must learn to cook!'
So off I went, to take cooking lessons
Guess who I married? I married the cook!
We went to the chapel to marry
'Cos Saint Catherine had answered my prayers
What's more she provided as witness
Those two ragged beggars, still hoping there.
Weddings also take place in the big haunted house
Guest often hear 'ghosts'. I guess that's a mouse!
Guests, sleepless as mice, claim, 'A ghost moved my bedding!'
'Who's the bride in your garden?' 'Ma'am, we've no wedding!'
-ends-
Useful and Entertaining Websites For the armchair traveller
https://www.hauntedrooms.co.uk/haunted-places/england
https://www.athelhampton.com/copy-of-history
Author, Author! About the Author
Angela Lansbury, travel writer and photographer, author and speaker. (Not related to the actress.) See books and profiles on Lulu.com and Amazon, such as Wedding Speeches & Toasts, Quick Quotations, Who Said What When. Also watch videos on YouTube.
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If you want to learn to speak the Queen's English, or Received Pronunciation. join me at my online toastmasters club, Braddell Heights Advanced. Wednesdays, 7-9 Singapore time which is seven hours ahead of London, England. I am also a member of Singapore Online.
