Sockburn Worm

The tale of the worm may be inspired by the longships of marauding Vikings, who carved the heads of Worms (Ormr) on the bow; however, this does not take into account the commonness of dragons in Germanic folklore including that of Northumbria (see the Laidly and Lambton Worms as well as the Worm of Linton). == Traditions ==

Each newly consecrated Bishop-Prince of Durham, while entering the Bishopric for the first time at the local ford or over the bridge over the River Tees at Croft-on-Tees, was presented with the Conyers Falchion – a medieval sword kept at Durham Cathedral and said to be the one with which a knight by the name of Sir John Conyers slew the worm. The Lord of Sockburn traditionally reads a speech while presenting the blade: The bishop would then take the falchion, and immediately return it, wishing the holder health and long enjoyment of the manor. The Sockburn Worm, with the falchion embedded in it, appears on the district badge of the local Darlington & District Scout Association. == See also ==