What illustration was on the visitor's sweatshirt at Westminster Abbey?

The sweatshirt featured an illustration from the classic book 'The Wind in the Willows', which depicted the mythological figure Pan.

Why did the security guards at Westminster Abbey ask the visitor to remove or cover up her sweatshirt?

The security guards claimed the illustration on the sweatshirt was an "image of the devil" and could potentially offend worshippers at the abbey.

How did the visitor, Linsey Teggert, respond to the security guards' request?

Linsey argued that the illustration was not of the devil, but rather a representation of the mythological figure Pan. However, she ultimately complied by taking off the sweatshirt and tying it around her waist.

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

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

14 Nov

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Summary

Visitor wore sweatshirt with illustration from 'The Wind in the Willows'
Security guards claimed it was an 'image of the devil' and asked her to remove or cover it
Visitor argued it was a representation of the mythological figure Pan, not the devil

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.