2110-5-9-25

The Vicarage, Breage, Helston.

13 October 1931.

My dear Sir,

Will you excuse me at a time like this bothering you with a coincidence. I had been reading your book with interest, "The Blanket of the Dark". I do not know in your account of the Bigods how far you have drawn upon fact but here is my little story for what it is worth. I was walking from near a hamlet called Acton Beauchamp to Malvern. The way led through the fields I encountered a tall dark, emaciated girl in great agitation. She stated her Father was very ill in the hop-field near by and that she was trying to get him a little brandy. I went & pleaded for her at a substantial farm house and she succeeded in getting what she wanted. In the meantime she had told me that her name was Brigid. She had a dreadful cough & told me the Doctor had told

her that her lungs were affected but that the open air was the best thing for her. "Sic transit gloria mundi"!

In my village here a large percentage of the villagers trace from Edward I & Henry VII. They do not in the least value their descent. Also I have traced an old farmer to Cromwell Earl of Essex through his daughter and of course also a connection with Oliver Cromwell.

It just occurred to me that this Bigod incident might interest you.

I am

very faithfully yours

H.R. Coulthard

(Canon)

J Buchan Esq. M.P. House of Commons, London.