In the 23rd year of King Edward III's reign … Sir William Hinton was fighting against the enemies of the cross in Spain when he summoned his brother Hugh, a highly spirited esquire (armiger). The young man rushed to Spain and joined the Christian army, soon acquitting himself courageously against the Saracens. One day, however, battle was particularly hard fought and, as happens in war, the sword swung calamitously, felling many on both sides. Among those killed was the valiant knight William Hinton. His brother Hugh was horribly wounded by a lance driven hard into the groin (osse lumborum). Stuck deep in his flesh the weapon was impossible to tear out without inflicting terrible pain. In despair, Hugh appealed for divine aid, and prayed fervently to the blessed St Æthelreda and God for comfort … Having made his prayer, he put a hand to the offending lance and it came away with ease. Nevertheless, the injury was grave, and, exhausted by battle, Hugh retired to bed, close to death. Doctors and surgeons (medicos et chirurigicos) failed to heal his wound, but Hugh kept up prayer to St Æthelreda, so that God might show mercy and lessen his pain. One night four nuns appeared at Hugh's bedside. One of them, saint-like in virtue, spoke kindly to the young man, saying, ‘Have faith, soon you will be well.’ With some silken cloth she dressed his wound, her touch giving such miraculous comfort that the hurt was immediately dulled. Making ready to leave, the blessed lady whispered to Hugh, ‘Find the weapon that inflicted this wound and bring it to me at Ely.’ Bandaged and anointed, Hugh’s injury soon healed. After a three-day search Hugh found the lance in the keeping of a companion. Breaking off the tip he returned with it home to England. Visiting the Isle of Ely, Hugh came to the cathedral with Ralph, another brother. With great devotion they offered the iron lance-head (paxillum ferreum) at St Æthelreda’s shrine, fastening it overhead as a pious memorial of this miracle.