Built in the 13th century St George's of Tombland provided an alternative place of worship to the imposing Cathedral. However it also served a more macabre purpose. Following the hanging of a convicted criminal, the victim's body would often be bought back to St George's to await burial.

St George's of Tombland.

In 1286 a local man by the name of Walter Eghe had been found guilty of handling stolen goods. The law at that time allowed for only one form of punishment, that of hanging, and accordingly, the sentence was carried out. Some minutes after the hanging had taken place Eghe's body was cut down and brought to St George's to await burial.

However, inside the church events took a dramatic turn. Having been laid out on a table Eghe suddenly regained consciousness and sat up. As the onlookers watched in horror, Eghe demanded to know where he was and, once having established the facts, declared that he had been pardoned by the grace of God himself.

St George's of Tombland.

The law did not allow for Eghe to be hanged again and it was agreed that he would remain in the church until a decision on his future had been made. A few days later Eghe managed to slip away from his guards and ran across Tombland into the Cathedral where he claimed sanctuary. A long standing rivalry and series of disputes between the monks and the City leaders ensured that Eghe was welcomed by the monks with open arms who saw it as a great chance to make their city rivals look foolish.

Despite the protestations of the City leaders Eghe was allowed to stay within the sanctuary of the Cathedral and the case was brought to the attention of King Edward when he visited the City later that year. The King decided that the case of handling stolen goods brought against Eghe was unjust and granted him a full pardon. A grateful Eghe left the Cathedral to see out the rest of his life in peace, no doubt always remembering how close he had come to an unjust death at the end of a rope.

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This ghostly tale has kindly been provided by Ghostly Dave - visit his Norwich Ghost Walk website here.