Note 46 — Part Two The Fabric of the Cathedral (continued 2)

As an illustration of a peace legend connected with a European church may be mentioned that of the Golden Virgin of the basilica of Notre Dame de Brebieres, in Albert, France. In the bombardment of 1914, the figure of the Virgin and Child which surmounted the spire was thrown over and remained suspended at right angles for over three years; during which time the belief sprang up locally that when the Golden Virgin fell, peace would come. The Virgin fell during the bombardment of 1918, and peace ensued a few months later.