Where Halvergate got its Name

It is said that two brothers owned two adjoining pieces of land and disputed strongly over their respective boundaries. They eventually quarrelled and fought until they tore each other’s heart out.

The Divine Being manifested his displeasure at such cruel conduct by turning them both into stone, and with their hearts in their hands they were placed in the church as monuments of Divine vengeance, and to deter others from similar acts of wickedness.

It is said, in addition, that, after the death of the brothers, one parish was called “Wicked-Hampton” (Wickhampton), and the other “Hell-Fire-Gate” (Halvergate).

Wickhampton, an adjoining village to Halvergate, has in its church a splendid monument to the memory of Sir W. M. Gerbygge and his lady. In confirmation of this legendary tale, until the last few years, the recumbent effigy of the Knight held a small piece of stone in his hand, shaped like a heart.