The Dragon Stone

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Location:
Lyminster, Sussex, England, Europe

Images:

Description:
A knucker can refer to any dragon that lives in a knucker hole. This is a local word in some areas of Sussex for a pond where the source is hidden (such as an underground stream). They often have streams running out of them, making it seem like the water is coming from nowhere. Knucker is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Nicor' meaning water monster.

The most famous knucker is the Lyminster Knucker. Knucker caused many problems in the Lyminster area, carrying off animals and people, and generally being a nuisance. Eventually Knucker was killed, although there are several different versions of the story describing this event.

In one version the King of Sussex offered his daughter in marriage to anyone who would kill the dragon. It was said that a wandering knight battled Knucker, killed him, married the princess, and then settled in Lyminster.

The second version of Knucker's end said that Jim Pulk, a local farmer's boy, outwitted the dragon. He cooked the dragon a poisoned Sussex pie, which the dragon ate, then died. Knucker got his revenge in the end though, because after Jim when off to celebrate he fell down dead. Probably he hadn't washed his hands after baking the poisoned pie.

The third version also has a local man outwitting Knucker, in a similar way. This man is called Jim Puttock, and comes from Wick. Rather than poisoning the pudding, he simply gave it to the dragon (these puddings are known for being rather heavy to eat). When the dragon was feeling bad, Jim cut off his head. In this version it is the Mayor of Arundel offering a reward. Unlike Jim Pulk, Jim Puttock does not die at the end.

To get an idea of what Knucker may have been like, here is an extract of dialogue between Knucker and Jim Puttock (as told by a local, and printed in the Sussex County Magazine in 1929):

And he sees thisyer tug a-coming, and sings out, affable-like, 'How do, Man?'
'How do, Dragon,' says Jim.
'What you got there?' says Dragon, sniffing.
'Pudden,' says Jim.
'Pudden?' says Dragon. 'What be that?'
'Just you try,' says Jim.

Selected References: Briggs, Katharine (1970); Simpson, Jacqueline (1980)

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