Julian's Bower
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Julian's Bower near Alkborough , in North Lincolnshire is a labyrinth ( English turf-cut maze or miz-labyrinth). The labyrinth shape is called Classical , Cretan or Chartres type and is associated with the legend of Theseus and the Minotaur .
There are several theories about the genesis of the labyrinth, which lies above the confluence of the Trent and Ouse rivers . Tradition has it that Julian's Bower was built in the 13th century by monks from a nearby monastery. Drawings of the maze are also found on the stone floor slabs in the porch of the neighboring church at Alkborough, in the east window and on a stone cross of the cemetery. The early Christian church used the idea of the labyrinth as a symbol for the path to heaven.
It was first mentioned in the 17th century by "Abraham de la Pryme" (1671-1894), who referred to it as "Gillian's Bore". It was used for village games and sports at the time.
Legend tells of a river spirit Gur who threatened Christian visitors to destroy the labyrinth. He created a strong tidal wave in the River Trent . It wasn't strong enough, however, and Julian Bower survived. Every spring, Gur sends a new tidal wave past Alkborough, now called the Trent Bore or Trent Aegir.
literature
- Homer Sykes: Mysterious Britain - Fact and Folklore George Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd. 1993 ISBN 0-297-83196-8 p. 82
Web links
- Julian's Bower (English)
Coordinates: 53 ° 41 ′ 5.2 " N , 0 ° 40 ′ 7.8" W.