The Biddenden Cake.
Copy of the printed Narrative before referred to.
A NEW AND ENLARGED ACCOUNT OF THE
BIDDENDEN MAIDS IN KENT,
BORN JOINED AT THE HIPS AND SHOULDERS:
With a well authenticated Account of a similar Phenomenon of Two Brothers.
On Easter Sunday in every year after Divine Service in the afternoon at the Parish of Biddenden, in the County of Kent, there are by the Churchwardens, given to Strangers about 1000 Rolls, with an impression on them similar to the Plate. The origin of this Custom is thus related.
In the year 1100 at Biddenden, in Kent, were born Elizabeth and Mary Chulkhurst, Joined together by the Hips and Shoulders, and who lived in that state, Thirty Four Years!! at the expiration of which time, one of them was taken ill and after a short period died; the surviving one was advised to be separated from the corpse which she absolutely refused by saying these words, “as we came together, we will also go together,” and about six hours after her sister’s decease, she was taken ill and died also. A Stone near the Rector’s Pew marked with a diagonal line is shewn as the place of their interment.