Champion of England
A person whose office it is to ride up Westminster Hall on a Coronation Day, and challenge any one who disputes the right of succession. The office was established by William the Conqueror, and was given to Marmion and his male descendants, with the manor of “broad Scrivelsby.” De Ludlow received the office and manor through the female line; and in the reign of Richard II. Sir John Dymoke succeeded through the female line also. Since then the office has continued in the Dymoke family.
These Lincoln lands the Conqueror gave, That England's glove they might convey To knight renowned amongst the brave- The baron bold of Fonteney.
An Anglo-Norman Ballad modernised.
Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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