_Ancient Superstition against the King of England entering or even
beholding the Town of Leicester._--The existence of a superstition to this
effect is recorded in Rishanger's _Chronicle_, and also, as I am informed,
in that of Thomas Wikes; but this I have not at present an opportunity of
consulting.
Rishanger's words are:
"Rex [Henricus III.] autem, capta Norhamptun., Leycestr. tendens, in ea
hospitatus est, quam nullus regni praeter eum etiam videre,
prohibentibus quibusdam superstitiose, praesumpsit."--P. 26.
It is also mentioned by Matthew of Westminster. (Vide Bohn's edition, vol.
ii. p. 412.) The statement, that no king before Henry III. had entered the
town, is however incorrect, as William the Conqueror and King John are
instances to the contrary.
Can any of your correspondents explain the origin of this superstition, or
favour me with any farther notices respecting it?
It is not unworthy of observation that very many of the royal personages
who have visited Leicester, have been either unfortunate in their lives, or
have met with tragical deaths.
We may, however, hope, for the credit of the town, that their misfortunes
may be attributed to other causes, rather than to their presence within its
time-hallowed walls.