Should you just happen to be exploring the Weald of Kent, you may come across the picturesque village of Biddenden: the distinctive village sign depicts the legendary 12^th century Biddenden Maids. Reputedly, Eliza (or Elisa) and Mary Chulkhurst were Siamese twins, joined at the hip and shoulder, and they survived for 34 years until one was seized with an incurable illness and died. Despite the entreaties of friends, the other refused to be separated from her sister, saying that they had come into the world together and so they must leave together. Six hours later they did.

In their wills the twins left about 20 acres (8 hectares) of land – known locally as ‘The Bread and Cheese Land’; the rent from the land was to provide a Dole. Originally this was a gift of bread and cheese, handed out annually to the village poor.

Each Easter Monday local widows and pensioners still receive this Dole, together with tea, butter and a special biscuit bearing an image of the twins and their names.

Originally the Dole was issued inside the parish church; later, in the church porch – and more recently from a window of the old Workhouse.

Roy Smith