This 13th century individual, who had an academic title, was supposedly responsible for many 'cures' for slight ailments from something that he discovered. Today there is a shrine to his existance, worshipping him as a saint even though he was never canonized. Who is it, and what melodious contraption is said to have been initiated from this person and the devil?

gdec1

Sir John Schorne, rector of North Marston in Buckinghamshire, England in 1290, was a very pious man and was said to have effected many miraculous cures for gout and toothache. During a drought, he discovered a well, the waters of which were reputed to have miraculous properties. His reputation for holiness was such that he is believed to have cast the devil into a boot. He is often pictured holding a boot with a devil in it, the origin of the child's jack-in-the-box toy.When he died, his shrine in the church at North Marston became a popular place of pilgrimage until his remains were moved to St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The Holy Well was renovated in 2004/2005 and may still be seen in North Marston. In the Victorian era, Schorne was regarded by some locals as a saint and his shrine in North Marston called St. John Schorne's Shrine. However, Schorne was never canonized. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Schorne Aug 29 06, 7:36 PM

peasypod

Yes, gdec, although the 'other' standard story of the etymology of the Jack-in-the-Box carries a different portrayal of who the Jack is. Aug 29 06, 8:05 PM

Baloo55th

Interesting thought occurs to me. If a Sir gets sainted, does he become Sir St John, or St Sir John? I don't think it's happened - possibly knights and baronets don;t tend to be all that holy... Aug 30 06, 10:24 AM

lanfranco

Certainly it has happened. Think of Thomas More. There are several knights in the calendar of saints, and there are also noblemen and women, kings and queens. More is usually referred to as "St. Thomas More." Aug 30 06, 11:01 AM