Fremlin Gremlin

We came across this gremlin on the banks of the Medway this morning and wondered about its connection with the town. The QR code took us to the Maidstone Museum’s website which explained it thus:

“The gremlin of English folklore (malicious creatures said to be a combination of the name of Grimm’s Fairy Tales and folklore surrounding Fremlin’s beer.

Fremlin’s Brewery company tradition included the fabled existence of an unseen, ambivalent house spirit named Robin Hodfellow or Hödfellow.

Hodfellow was said to be a biersal, (a type of sprite stemming from Germanic mythology and surviving into modern times in German folklore), that inhabits breweries and beer cellars.

Hodfellow was said to ride a miniature elephant (or sometimes was himself a miniature elephant) and kept the brewery machinery in working order when he was paid his due (in beer) and alternatively wrought havoc in the machinery works when not remunerated appropriately.

Brewery workers and even publicans were said to leave small jars or dishes of beer out to appease Hodfellow – a tradition that survived at least into the late 20th century in some Maidstone and Canterbury pubs”

Interesting connection there with the Hoodening tradition from East Kent more of which here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoodening a tradition we’ve been part of the last couple of years at the Chequers Inn, Doddington.

In other news, the weather was in a spiteful mood. Cold, aggressive rain blown by an aggressive wind. Kept looking like it was clearing up then back would come that rain.

Ticked off a few more of the tasks for Doreen’s funeral. Plans are beginning to crystallise. Time will run away from us between now and her funeral on 23rd April if we’re not careful.