The legend of the blind beggar

The legendary character The Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green, was in fact, a man called Henry de Montford. He was the son of Simon de Montford, and inherited the mansion known as Montford House, a large red brick building in the street now known as Victoria Park Square. He was wounded, and lost his sight at the battle of Evesham in the year 1265. After his recovery, aided by a baroness, he was for some reason left dressed in beggars clothes. During his recovery period he also managed to get the baroness pregnant, the resulting baby girl being named Besse.

Besse had many male admirers when she reached adulthood, including a knight. Of these possible suiters, the knight was the only one who would lower himself to approach a poor old beggar for permission to marry his daughter. Henry, the 'poor old beggar', gave his permission, as well as a hundred pounds to be spent on a wedding dress. I dread to think what this sum would be worth today.

The blind beggar appears on Bethnal Green's coat of arms, and also has the infamous pub named after him. There is also the famous Ballad of Bethnal Green, which was written in Tudor times. It is a long ballad with some variations, depending on the source of the research.

First verse:

This song's of a beggar who long lost his sight,
And had a fair daughter, most pleasant and bright,
And many a gallant brave suitor had she,
And none was so comely as pretty Bessee

Last 4 verses

And thus, ye nobles, my song I do end,
Hoping by the same no man to offend;
Full forty long winters thus I have been,
A silly blind beggar of Bednall Green.'

Now when the company every one,
Did hear the strange tale he told in his song,
They were amazed, as well they might be,
Both at the blind beggar and pretty Bessee.

With that the fair bride they all did embrace,
Saying, 'You are come of an honourable race,
Thy father likewise is of high degree,
And thou art right worthy a lady to be.'

Thus was the feast ended with joy and delight,
A happy bridegroom was made the young knight,
Who lived in great joy and felicity,
With his fair lady dear pretty Bessie

The full version of this ballad can be found on Barryoneoff's web site.