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Little John's Grave
A giant's bow once hung in the chancel.
Stand where it happened
- What's there
- A long grave with railings under a yew
- Legend from
- Local tradition; recorded 17th century
- Tone
- Curious
Robin Hood's right-hand man is said to lie here, under the yew, in a grave far too long for most.
In Hathersage churchyard a long grave under an old yew is said to be that of Little John, Robin Hood's lieutenant. Elias Ashmole noted in the 17th century that John lay buried there with a stone at his head and another at his feet, and part of his bow hung in the chancel. The Derbyshire Historic Environment Record says church records mention a bow, cap and horn hanging in the church, that very large bones were found in the churchyard in 1728, and that the grave has been looked after by the Ancient Order of Foresters since 1929.