Havering (Essex)

The legend says that while Edward the Confessor was dwelling in this locality, an old pilgrim asked alms, and the king replied, “I have no money, but I have a ring,” and, drawing it from his fore-finger, gave it to the beggar. Some time after, certain English-pilgrims in Jewry met the same man, who drew the ring from his finger and said, “Give this to your king, and say within six months he shall die.” The request was complied with, and the prediction fulfilled. The shrine of Edward the Confessor in Westminster Abbey gives colour to this legend.