The Rose of Madge Lumb

One hundred years plus thirty more

Lead a thousand souls to be no more

A tangled web of roses red and white

York and Lancaster created this civil strife

House of Holden took centre stage that day

Family allegiance split in secret ways

Their wealth and influence dynasty supplied

Not all agreed soon destiny would decide

Traveller came by way of Pilgrims Cross

Pack horse dutifully carried him aloft

He arrived unseen, safer that way

Madge Lumb provided an earthly place to stay

Holdens wife knew from which enemies he did hide

Love and nourishment she did secretly provide

By candlelight through twilight she sought the traveller out

Embraced then quenched his earth parched mouth

Soon the news was whispered loyally to the master

Man and beast sword in hand, Margery and lover he went after

Through the woods and bracken his face twisted by betrayal

Down through Ogden waters Holden followed the deceitful trail

Through the entrance to Madge Lumb he sees the candle flicker

Shadowy embrace betrayal heartbeat starts to quicken

Sword was drawn and into the darkness Holden did lunge

Blade struck true through the flesh deep and fatal did plunge

Holdens warm breath lingered mist like on the air

Eyes soon to focus on the guilty veiled pair

Stranger dropped hands clasped to his knees

Margery’s soul soon to be set free upon the wintry breeze

Both men hurried to be by Margery’s loving side

Husband and brother too late they did realise

One extra soul to add to the thousand gone afore

The Rose of Madge Lumb lost to both men forever more

Madge Lumb now lies beneath the mill waters of the Grane

Watery shrine to encase the secrets and the pain

Holden’s home long gone just a trace upon the land

Margery’s spirit however still wanders with candle in her hand