The Terrible Tale of the Linton Worme

I count myself lucky to live in Northeast England one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the UK. A region rich in history, a place of castles, countryside and coast, that is awash with the myths and legends of days gone by.

Having in another article, told you the tale of the famous Lambton Worm. The monstrous beast that wrapped its tail ten times around Penshaw Hill and of how Penshaw Monument came about. Now I want you to get in your car leave Penshaw behind and drive north through countryside of Northumberland until you reach the Scottish borders. It will take you little over two hours to reach the small settlement of Linton. You will find it on the B6436 six miles south of Kelso.

Near to the village you will find Linton Hill with the waters of the Kale flowing nearby. In this quiet spot in a cave beneath the Northeast side of the hill there once lived a worm or worme, (worme is ancient Norse for serpent). The area is still known as ‘Worm’s Den’. From here at dawn and at dusk the dragon would leave it’s lair killing and eating the local livestock and anything else it came across.

Despite being terrified of the fearsome beast some of the local men tried to kill it, but their weapons proved ineffective against its armoured hide. Unhindered by the men’s puny efforts the beast laid waste to the countryside and none could stop its rampaging ways.

None that is, until, while on a visit to nearby Jedburgh, the Laird, John de Somerville heard tell of this fearsome worm. Making his way to Linton he observed the creature from a distance. He noticed that when anyone came near, the vile creature would stand watching with its mouth open wide. This gave him an idea and he ordered the local blacksmith to produce a special lance. The weapon was much longer than the normal lance and had a spiked wheel fitted at the business end. Unto this wheel the laird fixed a tar soaked bale of peat and setting fire to the bale, he charge back and forth to get his horse used to the smoke and flames.

Finally when he was satisfied he rode out to confront the worm. As he came near the worm opened its mouth and he rammed the flaming lance down its throat. The creature in its death throes twisted this way and that, writhing in agony and it is said that this caused of the undulations in the hillsides outside the den. Eventually the mortally wounded creature returned to its lair and the roof collapsed burying it (conveniently) without trace beneath the hill.

Did the worm (or dragon) exist? Or is it just one of the many myths that abound in the British Isles?  Whether it did or not, it is said that in recognition of his bravery John de Somerville was knighted, made a Royal Falconer and became the first Baron of Lintoune.

Dragon or not, Linton and Linton Hill still exist and if you want to make your way there. Here are the directions from Penshaw. Follow the A19 north through the Tyne Tunnel and carry on until the A19 meets the A1 junction. Take the A1 north. Just past Morpeth turn left onto A697 heading for Wooler and Coldstream. Not long after Wooler, at Akeld turn left onto the B6531. Follow this until it joins the B6352 and follow the B6352 to Town Yetholm. From here take the B6401 and then just before Morebattle, turn right onto the B5436 for Linton.

You might not see a dragon when you get there, but you will have enjoyed a trip through some of the Northeast’s most beautiful countryside. Take a look at Linton Kirk (Church) while you are there and you will see above the porch doorway, The Somervail Stone. It is a carving depicting a knight fighting two beasts, a link to the Linton Worm.