The Wildman of Orford

£125.00

The Orford Wildman is a part of my collection ‘Straunge’ based on Suffolk myth and legend.

Scarf in silk, double-sided printing with hand-rolled edges (100% silk).

Dimensions: 90 x 90 cm | As this scarf is hand-rolled, the dimensions indicated may vary.

Limited edition of 35

Images shown are samples. Final products may have slight variations.

The Orford Wildman is a part of my collection ‘Straunge’ based on Suffolk myth and legend.

Scarf in silk, double-sided printing with hand-rolled edges (100% silk).

Dimensions: 90 x 90 cm | As this scarf is hand-rolled, the dimensions indicated may vary.

Limited edition of 35

Images shown are samples. Final products may have slight variations.

THE STORY BEHIND

In the time of King Henry II, off the shores of Orford, Suffolk, it happened that some fishermen caught in their nets a merman. More fish than man and unable to talk, the terrified fishermen dragged this ‘wildman’ ashore and bought him to the nearby Orford Castle. Thought perhaps to be a spy, the Wildman was tortured in the dungeons and fed on a diet of raw fish which he happily squeezed the juices out of before eating, before finally being bought to the local church where villagers were horrified to discover he showed no reverence.

Realising that torture was fruitless, the Wildman was eventually allowed to exercise in the sea, caged into the quay by three strong rows of nets. Effortlessly, the Wildman dived beneath the waves, appearing out to sea beyond the tangle of rope. Then, to everyone’s surprise, he swam back to shore, returning with the guards to the castle.

As time went on, his guards grew lax and one day the Wildman dove as usual under the nets and out to sea, but this time he did not turn back.