The Dunmow Flitch Trials

One of the main reasons I started this blog, besides the whole wedding getting called off drama of aeons ago, was the discovery this tradition.

The Dunmow Flitch Trials are an ancient tradition referenced in The Wife of Bath's Tale by Chaucer. Legend has it that one Lord Fitzwalter and his wife disguised themselves as peasants and begged the Prior for his blessing on their marriage. The Prior did so, and overjoyed (or in my version, temporarily insane) Fitzwalter gifted his land to the Prior. In thanks, the Prior awarded the devoted couple a "flitch" or side of bacon. The legend has now taken form as an actual trial that occurs every four years that sees married couples defending their relationship before a judge and jury. They are questioned and cross examined, and if they are judged as never having wished themselves unmarried, they are paraded around the streets on chairs, given a slab of pork and forced to kneel on pointed stones to take the Flitch Oath.

Oh, those Brits.

It had long been a dream of mine to actually attend the Trials. I had the privilege of interviewing the judge of 2004's event and was monkeying around with the idea of going. But then Mr. Right showed up, the dollar went down, and the thought of flying overseas with my teething toddler gives me heartburn.

So from my stateside armchair, I salute this past weekend's four successful claimants to the Flitch:

Michael & Janet Denny (Rayleigh, Essex)
Graeme Fearon & Amanda Horner (Ramsbury, Wilts.)
Des & Claire Rayner (Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middx.)

and

Jeff Dotts & Erin Albers (Nashville, Tennessee, USA)

That's right - Nashville!

Congratulations to all of you. Those of you who think your love can withstand the rigors of judge and jury have another four years to get ready.