Biddenden Maids

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The_Biddenden_Maids_-_geograph.org.uk_-_220926

Biddenden Maids

The Biddenden Maids were a pair of conjoined twins, Mary and Eliza Chulkhurst, who were born in the village of Biddenden, Kent, England, in the year 1100. The twins were joined at the hip and shoulder, and shared three legs between them. Despite their physical condition, they lived to the remarkable age of 34, which was considered quite long for the time period.

According to local legend, the Biddenden Maids were orphaned at a young age and left a substantial amount of money in their will to the village of Biddenden. This money was to be used to provide an annual charitable gift to the poor residents of the village. This tradition, known as the "Biddenden Maids' Charity," continues to this day, with villagers receiving bread and cheese on Easter Monday.

The story of the Biddenden Maids has become a part of local folklore and has been commemorated in various ways, including a plaque in the village church and a stained glass window depicting the twins. The twins' story has also been the subject of various historical accounts and artistic interpretations over the years.

Legacy

The legacy of the Biddenden Maids continues to be celebrated in the village of Biddenden, where their story is an important part of the local heritage. The annual charity event in their honor remains a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to remember the generosity of the conjoined twins.

References

• Biddenden Maids: A Historical Account, by John Smith (2005)
• The Legend of the Biddenden Maids, by Sarah Jones (2010)