London Borough of Southwark in Greater London County, England, United Kingdom

The Legend of Mary Overie

By Michael Herrick, May 7, 2018

1. The Legend of Mary Overie Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Legend of Mary Overie Legend suggests that before the construction of London Bridge in the tenth century a ferry existed here. Ferrying passengers across the River Thames was a lucrative trade. John Overs who, with his watermen and apprentices, kept the “traverse ferrie over the Thames”, made such a good living that he was able to acquire a considerable estate on the south bank of the river.

John Overs, a notorious miser, devised a plan to save money. He would feign death, believing that his family and servants would fast out of respect and thereby save a day’s provisions. However, when he carried out the plan, the servants were so overjoyed at his death that they began to feast and make merry. In a rage the old man leapt out of bed to the horror of his servants, one of whom picked up a broken oar and “thinking to kill the Devil at the first blow, actually struck out his brains”.

The ferryman’s distressed daughter Mary sent for her lover, who in haste to claim the inheritance fell from his horse and broke his neck. Mary was so overcome by these misfortunes that

The Legend of Mary Overie Marker and the Golden Hind image. Click for full size.

By Michael Herrick, May 7, 2018

2. The Legend of Mary Overie Marker and the Golden Hind

she devoted her inheritance to founding a convent into which she retreated.

This became the priory of Saint Mary Overie, Mary having been made a saint on account of her charity. During the Reformation the church of St. Mary Overie was renamed St. Saviour’s Church. In 1905 it became Southwark Cathedral and the collegiate church of St. Saviour’s & St. Mary Overie.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Waterways & Vessels • Women.

Location. 51° 30.421′ N, 0° 5.423′ W. Marker is in London Borough of Southwark, England, in Greater London County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Stoney Street and Clink Street, on the right when traveling north. Located at Pickfords Wharf on the deck of the Old Thameside Inn, overlooking the River Thames. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: London Borough of Southwark, England SE1 9DG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Thameside Inn (a few steps from this marker); Sir Francis Drake (a few steps from this marker); Queen Elizabeth I (a few steps from this marker); The Jubilee Walkway – Southwark (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Old Thameside Inn (a few steps from this marker); St. Saviour’s Southwark Private Property

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(within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary Overie’s Dock (within shouting distance of this marker); Winchester Palace (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in London Borough of Southwark.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 11, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.