Laurence

single tradition · 1

Laurence was a figure known in Sussex and Somerset, used as a bogeyman to scare children. In Devon and Cornwall dialects, his laziness was emphasized. An early literary reference appears in a pamphlet from the 1770s titled "The Pleasant history of lazy Laurence".

When

First attested
1770 CE
Attested period
1770 – 1779
Historical notes
Figure referenced in a pamphlet from the 1770s.

Relationships

co occurs with
St Lawrence

Expand to full subgraph →

Sources

wikipedia (1)

Source passages

“Laurence was once also known of in the neighbouring counties of Sussex and Somerset, where he was used as a bogeyman to scare children, as well as in the dialects of Devon and Cornwall, where his laziness was emphasised. An early literary reference to the figure is in a small pamphlet from the 1770s titled”

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