Folklore of Lincolnshire (2012)
“Superstition in Lincolnshire would not allow people to use his name: ‘Don’t say the Devil. Say the Owd Lad or he’ll come when he’s called.’1 Ethel Rudkin confirms this notion,2 noting how he goes by many names in Lincolnshire, such as Old Nick, Old Sam, Sammiwell, Old Harry, the Old ‘Un or Old Lad. However, even if he is not referred to directly, his appearances all over Lincolnshire are still rife – or maybe it is because of his regular visits that people try not to attract his attention!
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule and some people like courting trouble. It was believed by such folk that if you were to drop a pin in the keyhole of a church door and then run around the church seven times that the Devil would appear. Quite what they would do then is unclear.
The legend of Dorrington Church boasts a similar belief. On a clear, moon-lit night you can peek through the keyhole to watch the Devil playing with glass marbles across the church floor.
Exactly what Old Nick looks... like we are not sure, although there is one story, retold by Rudkin,3 that describes him as a ‘funny little ole man’.MoreLess
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule and some people like courting trouble. It was believed by such folk that if you were to drop a pin in the keyhole of a church door and then run around the church seven times that the Devil would appear. Quite what they would do then is unclear.
The legend of Dorrington Church boasts a similar belief. On a clear, moon-lit night you can peek through the keyhole to watch the Devil playing with glass marbles across the church floor.
Exactly what Old Nick looks... like we are not sure, although there is one story, retold by Rudkin,3 that describes him as a ‘funny little ole man’.MoreLess
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