The Conyers Falchion

When a new Bishop of Durham first entered his diocese, the lord of the manor of Sockburn met him at the Tees, at the ford of Neasham or on the middle of Croft Bridge, and presented the falchion with which Sir John Conyers was said to have killed a dragon, worm or flying serpent that devoured men, women and children. The bishop took the sword, looked at it and handed it back, wishing the lord health and the enjoyment of his estate, for the manor was held by this service. The tenants of Pollard’s lands at Bishop Auckland likewise showed the bishop a falchion with which Pollard was said to have slain a venomous serpent. The Conyers falchion is still presented to new bishops.