The gravest historians have given accounts of the beginnings of the Dunmow Custom. There is Dugdale, for instance, who was born in 1686. He writes in his _Monasticon_-- Robert Fitzwalter, who lived long beloved by King Henry, the son of King John (as also of all the realm), betook himself in his latter days to prayer and deeds of charity, and great and bountiful alms to the poor, kept great hospitality, and re-edified the decayed Priory of Dunmow, which Juga, a most devout and religious woman, had builded; in which Priory arose a custom, began and instituted either by him or some of his ancestors, which is verified by the common saying or proverb, "that he which repents him not of his marriage, either sleeping or waking, in a year and a day, may lawfully go to Dunmow and fetch a Gammon of Bacon." It is certain that such a custom there was, and that the Bacon was delivered with such solemnity and triumph as they of the Priory and Town could make--continuing till the dissolution of that house. The party or pilgrim took the Oath before the Prior of the Convent, and the Oath was administered with long process and much solemn singing and chanting. But how did the Custom actually come about? Harrison Ainsworth has explained convincingly in his rhyme, _The Custom of Dunmow_-- "What seek you here, my children dear? Why kneel ye down thus lowly Upon the stones, beneath the porch Of this our Convent holy?" The Prior old the pair bespoke In faltering speech, and slowly. Their modest garb would seem proclaim The pair of low degree, But though in cloth of frieze arrayed, A stately youth was he; While she, who knelt down by his side, Was beautiful to see. "A Twelvemonth and a Day have fled Since first we were united; And from that hour," the young man said, "No change our hopes has blighted. Fond faith with fonder faith we've paid. And love with love requited. "True to each other have we been; No dearer object seeing, Than each has in the other found; In everything agreeing. And every look, and word, and deed That breed dissension fleeing. "All this we swear, and take in proof Our Lady of Dunmow!* For She, who sits with saints above, Well knows that it is so. Attest our Vow, thou reverend man, And bless us ere we go!" * The accent in Dunmow is on the first syllable, not as placed by Ainsworth and other rhymers. The Prior old stretch'd forth his hands; "Heaven prosper ye!" quoth he; "O'er such as ye, right gladly we Say '_Benedicite!_'" On this, the kneeling pair uprose-- Uprose full joyfully. Just then, pass'd by the Convent cook-- And moved the young man's glee; On his broad back a mighty Flitch Of Bacon brown bore he. So heavy was the load, I wis, It scarce mote carried be.