English: Virgins' Crown, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abbotts Ann Abbotts Ann is widely known on account of the survival of the medieval custom of awarding virgins' crowns. These can be seen hanging near the ceiling on either side of the church. The ceremony connected with this custom takes place at the funeral of an unmarried person of good character (man or woman) who was born, baptised and died within the Parish of Abbotts Ann. The crown is made of hazelwood and is ornamented with paper rosettes. Attached to it are five parchment gauntlets, which represent a challenge to anyone who may wish to dispute the worthiness of the deceased person.

At the funeral the crown is suspended from a rod and carried in procession by two young girls dressed in white. After the funeral the crown is hung from the gallery in the church, so that all who enter must pass under it. After three weeks, if there is no challenge, it is placed on a bracket near the ceiling together with a small scutcheon bearing details of name and date. Here it remains until it decays and falls with age.

The earliest remaining crown is one dated 1740 to John Morrant.