The legend of the black dog of Bungay
In case you are curious, our name is taken from local folklore dating back to 1577. Legend has it that, during a particularly violent storm on August 4th of that year, the Devil in the guise of a ferocious black dog appeared in the church of Saint Mary's Bungay where local residents were at prayer.
The following contemporary "reports" provide further (sometimes gory) detail.
"On the 4th of August 1577 at nine o'clock in the morning in a town called Bungay in the midst of an exceeding great and terrible tempest, not simply of rain but also of lightening and thunder flashing so rare and vehement there appeared in Saint Mary's Church during the course of the service a most horrible similitude to a dog, black in colour. This dog running down the the body of the church with great swiftness, and incredible haste among the people. Passing between 2 people kneeling on the ground in prayer, it wrung the necks of both in one instant. The church itself was said to have quaked and staggered. The church door still bears the marks of the dogs claws........"
For more information regarding the legend, and Bungay Town itself, please visit The Bungay Town Guide.
Thanks to Bungay Town Guide for providing this image
The following contemporary "reports" provide further (sometimes gory) detail.
"On the 4th of August 1577 at nine o'clock in the morning in a town called Bungay in the midst of an exceeding great and terrible tempest, not simply of rain but also of lightening and thunder flashing so rare and vehement there appeared in Saint Mary's Church during the course of the service a most horrible similitude to a dog, black in colour. This dog running down the the body of the church with great swiftness, and incredible haste among the people. Passing between 2 people kneeling on the ground in prayer, it wrung the necks of both in one instant. The church itself was said to have quaked and staggered. The church door still bears the marks of the dogs claws........"
For more information regarding the legend, and Bungay Town itself, please visit The Bungay Town Guide.
Thanks to Bungay Town Guide for providing this image