The Lambton Worm

The visit tied in nicely with their English topic, where pupils have been learning about the myth that has been around for centuries in the North East of England and was turned into a popular song in the 19th century.

The lyrics go: 

The Lambton Worm

Hush now, shut your mouths.

I'll tell you all an awful story.

Hush now, shut your mouths.

I'll tell you about the worm!

One day John Lambton went fishing

In the River Wear.

He caught something upon his hook

And gave a little cheer.

What sort of fish, or worm, it was,

Young Lambton could not tell

He couldn't be bothered to carry it home

So he threw it down a well.

Now Lambton thought he would like to be

A soldier, and fight in wars.

He joined a group of knights so tough

They didn't mind wounds or scars.

They travelled far and fought in wars,

The stories he could tell!

And very soon he forgot about

The strange thing in the well.

But the worm got fat and grew and grew

And grew an awful size.

It had great big teeth, a great big mouth,

And great big goggly eyes.

And when at night it crawled about

Having a little browse

If it felt thirsty on the way

It milked a dozen cows.

This scary worm would often feed

On calves and lambs and sheep.

And swallow little kids alive

When they were fast asleep.

And when it had eaten all it could

And it had had its fill

It crawled away & wrapped itself

Ten times round Penshaw Hill

The Lambton Worm

The news of this awful worm

And its strange goings on

Soon crossed the seas, and got to the ears

Of brave and bold Sir John.

So home he came and caught the beast

And cut it in two halves

And that soon stopped it eating kids

And sheep and lambs and calves.

So now you know how everyone

On both sides of the Wear

Lost lots of sheep and lots of sleep

And lived in mortal fear.

So let's say thanks to brave Sir John

Who kept the kids from harm

Saved cows and calves by making halves

Of the famous Lambton Worm.

He certainly looks like he has captured their attention.