[nb-NO]Object number[nb-NO]
57/185
[nb-NO]Description[nb-NO]
This inn sign was used outside a pub in Widford, Essex, known variously as the 'Silent Woman' and the 'Quiet Woman'. There are a number of theories about the depiction of a headless woman on the sign: that it is St Osyth, said to have been beheaded by Danes in 635 AD, that it refers to the 'heedless' or 'headless' Virgins of biblical origin, or that it represents Anne Boleyn, who lived at New Hall, Boreham, and was beheaded by King Henry VIII. The sign has a painting of Henry VIII on the reverse. The inscription, 'Fort Bone', is believed to be derived from the French for 'very good'.
[nb-NO]Archival history[nb-NO]
MERL miscellaneous note - 'The Old Sign Board of the Public House The Good Woman at Widford. // The Essex tradition is that when the Convent at St Osyth was attached by the Danes (A.D. 635) St Osyth fled down the park to a thicket since called Nun's Wood where she was overtaken and her head cut off. On the spot where the head fell a spring of water burst forth which flows to this day. // It has been said she was the only good woman in Essex. ? // The inscription on the sign Fort Bone presumably intended to be the French for Very Good. // Another theory is that the sign refers to the Heedless or headless Virgins of biblical origin, who had no oil in their lamps. // The painting of Henry 8th on the reverse of the sign has led to the popular belief that the headless woman represents Anne Boleyn who lived at New Hall Boreham, and was beheaded by Henry. // The pub has at various times been known as the Silent Woman and the Quiet Woman. // The double sign may have been only a combination of the Good Woman and the Kings Head.', MERL ‘Associated information’ form – 'Sign from "The Silent Woman" at Widford, Essex, now demolished. Represents Anne Boleyn after she was beheaded. Reverse shows Henry VIII. // Mentioned in standard book on English Inn Signs, Words on the board "Fort Bone". // [pencil sketch]'
[nb-NO]Object name[nb-NO]
[nb-NO]External document[nb-NO]
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_1647.tif - High resolution image
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_1939.tif - High resolution image