Folklore Fan Told to Cover Up 'Demonic' Clothing at Westminster Abbey

On November 14, 2025, a visitor to Westminster Abbey in London was asked by security guards to remove or cover up her sweatshirt featuring an illustration from the classic children's book 'The Wind in the Willows'. The guards claimed the image, which depicted the mythological figure Pan, was an "image of the devil" that could potentially offend worshippers at the abbey.

The visitor, Linsey Teggert, a 38-year-old visitor operations manager and freelance music journalist, had been on a short break in London with her husband. She explained to the guards that the illustration was not of the devil, but rather a representation of Pan, a figure from Greek mythology. However, the guards were adamant that the image was "demonic" and insisted she remove or cover up the sweatshirt.

Feeling anxious and uncomfortable, Linsey complied by taking off the sweatshirt and tying it around her waist, as she had not brought a jacket to cover it up. She later expressed her frustration, noting that there are numerous carvings and depictions of mythological creatures inside the abbey, and she felt unfairly targeted for wearing a harmless illustration.

A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey acknowledged that the message on Linsey's clothing may have been "misinterpreted" by the security guards. The abbey has a dress code that asks visitors to "show respect and sensitivity in the way you dress," but the spokesperson said they would provide feedback to the security team and invited Linsey and her husband back to the abbey for tea and cake.