The legend of a secret brotherhood who helped needy travellers through the Fens is set to be remembered at a modern-day railway station.

Before the low-lying peatlands south of King's Lynn were banked and drained hundreds of years ago, the locals who eked a living from marsh and water carried a split greylag goose's feather.

The Brotherhood of the Grey Goose Feather was said to be a secret society which protected all who did the same.

Eastern Daily Press: Fen folk once carried a grey goose feather, to show they were members of a secret brotherhoodFen folk once carried a grey goose feather, to show they were members of a secret brotherhood (Image: Matthew Usher)Members were sworn to help anyone who produced their feather and said a password.

Now the legend is set to be remembered with a new artwork at Lynn's railway station.

West Norfolk Council has applied for planning permission to place two halves of an 8ft feather outside the terminus, on Blackfriars Road.

Eastern Daily Press: King's Lynn station, where the giant feathers will be placedKing's Lynn station, where the giant feathers will be placed (Image: Google)READ MORE: New book celebrates electrification of the railway line to Lynn

It says in a planning statement: "The Norfolk tradition of splitting the grey goose feather dictated that any fellow native producing a split feather and accompanying secret password was guaranteed assistance; whatever the personal cost.

"This artwork of two halves is carefully and sympathetically designed to be located at King’s Lynn Railway Station.

"Its location is vital to convey the story of welcome, friendship and assistance."

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression of one of the split goose feathersAn artist's impression of one of the split goose feathers (Image: BCKLWN/Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley)The steel artwork, designed by Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley, is in two halves which will appear to merge as viewers move around them. 

"Inspired by the tradition of splitting the grey goose feather, the artwork contains a contemporary secret code devised by local children, offering a warm welcome to King’s Lynn and a friendship for life," the statement adds.

Eastern Daily Press: One of the split goose feathers which will be installed at King's Lynn stationOne of the split goose feathers which will be installed at King's Lynn station (Image: BCKLWN/Annabel McCourt and Adrian Riley)

The artwork is being funded from King's Lynn's £25m government town deal, which will be spent on improvements to the town.

The council says it is part of a larger scheme of "public realm enhancements" which help to attract people to Lynn.