The Green Children of Woolpit

In the 12th century, two children with green skin appeared near the village of Woolpit in Suffolk, England. They spoke an unknown language, wore strange clothing, and would eat nothing but beans. Their origin has puzzled historians and researchers for over 800 years.

The Appearance

According to medieval chroniclers, the children, a boy and a girl, emerged from the wolf pits that gave the village its name. Their skin was green. They were terrified and spoke a language no one understood.

The Care

The children were taken in by Sir Richard de Calne. Initially, they would eat nothing but green beans. Eventually, they adapted to other foods, and their green coloring faded. The boy grew sick and died, but the girl survived.

Her Account

Once the girl learned English, she explained that they came from St. Martin’s Land, a place of perpetual twilight where everyone was green. They had been following their cattle when they found a cave and emerged in Woolpit.

The Girl’s Life

The surviving girl was baptized and eventually married. She was described as “rather loose and wanton in her conduct,” living out her life in King’s Lynn.

Explanations

Theories range from Flemish orphans with chlorosis (a dietary deficiency causing green pallor) to interdimensional travelers. No explanation fully accounts for all aspects of the story.

Assessment

The Green Children of Woolpit are one of England’s oldest mysteries. Documented by multiple chroniclers in the era, the story resists easy explanation.