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christianised invaders under Sweyn and Canute, or on account of the number of Danes, including Harold Harefoot, who were buried in it. Stow reports a tradition, that some marauders were slain here on their way home to Denmark with their booty.
The blacksmiths' legend is quite different. One version says : * " * Old Clem' was a Dane by birth, and a blacksmith by profession, and very clever at his trade; he realised a fortune, and built that little church in the Strand, London, at his own expense. He also forged all the ironwork with his own hands; and afterwards went into the cloisters and devoted his life to God's service, having made over the church to the Pope. He died on 23rd November ; about the year we are not quite sure. After his death the Pope placed him in the Calendar as S. Clement, and called the church S. Clement le Dane. Since that time *01d Clem' has been honoured by the smiths meeting every year on his day."
Another legend is furnished by a Sussex blacksmith : f "On the 17th March, a.d. 871, when good King Alfred ruled this land, he called together all the trades (seven in number) and declared his intention of making that trades-man King over all the trades who could best get on without the help of all the others for the longest period. He proclaimed a banquet to which he invited a representative from each trade, and made it a condition that each should bring a specimen of his work, with the tools he used in working it.
1st. The blacksmith brought his hammer and a horseshoe.
2nd. The tailor brought his shears and a new coat.
Srd. The baker his peel and a loaf.
4th. The shoemaker his awl and a new pair of shoes.
5th. The carpenter brought his saw and a deal trunk.
6th. The butcher his chopper and a joint.
7th. The mason his chisels and a corner-stone.
" Now the tailor's coat was of such surpassing beauty of colour, and exquisite fashion, that all the guests, with one consent, declared it a
♦ The writer is indebted for this to Mr. D. Thomson, foreman, smiths' depart- ment. L.B.&S.C. Railway Co.'s Works, Brighton.
t This was kindly taken down in 1883 by Edmund Young, Esq. M.R.C.S. of Steyning, from the lips of a poor fellow in a deep decline.
