Heaton gives a very good description
of these maids; and a writer in "Notes and Queries" of March 27,
1875, gives the following information relative to the bequest:--
"On Easter Monday, at Biddenden, near Staplehurst, Kent, there is
a distribution, according to ancient custom, of 'Biddenden Maids'
cakes,' with bread and cheese, the cost of which is defrayed from
the proceeds of some 20 acres of land, now yielding L35 per
annum. and known as the 'Bread and Cheese Lands.' About the year
1100 there lived Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst, who were joined
together after the manner of the Siamese twins, and who lived for
thirty-four years, one dying, and then being followed by her
sister within six hours. They left by their will the lands above
alluded to and their memory is perpetuated by imprinting on the
cakes their effigies 'in their habit as they lived.' The cakes,
which are simple flour and water, are four inches long by two
inches wide, and are much sought after as curiosities. These,
which are given away, are distributed at the discretion of the
church-wardens, and are nearly 300 in number. The bread and
cheese amounts to 540 quartern loaves and 470 pounds of cheese.
The distribution is made on land belonging to the charity, known
as the Old Poorhouse.
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