Lost in the Woods in the 1600s
This poem is based on a charming story
taken from a history of Herne and illustrates how extensive the woods of Blean
were in the 17th century
What possessed him to do it, we cannot begin to say
Thomas Hole went for a walk in the woods on St Thomas’ Day.
It was strange, it was rash, but he showed no fear,
Ignoring the cold and the risk on the shortest day of the year.
He ventured forth, content, alone and unseen,
But it was not long before he was lost deep in the Blean.
Whichever path he followed he could not find his way back
And all too soon the day turned to dusk and then into black.
He leant on an ancient oak, regretting his decision to stray
He resigned himself to his fate and started to pray.
In the depth of the forest, he had no chance to be found.
Then he was vaguely aware of a faint but familiar sound.
In the distance the bells of St Martin’s Church started to ring.
Thomas wept with relief, he felt he should burst out and sing.
Picking his way in the dark until the bells were quite clear,
He finally came to a track close to home and knew he was near.
When a few years later in 1625,Thomas Hole was laid to rest,
He remembered his good fortune with a rather odd bequest.
Each year to the poor of the parish he gave ten shillings away
And three more to the ringers of the bells on St Thomas’ day.