Folk Figure. Traditionally, second in command of Robin Hood's legendary Merry Men. Little John appears in the very earliest of the surviving Robin Hood tales, including ‘A Gest of Robyn Hode' published after 1490. The ballad ‘Robin Hood and Little John' claimed the outlaw's name was John Little, scholars have found many historical figures with the name, including the outlaw, John le Litel, a raider circa 1318, and Littel John, c. 1323, who appeared to have been a poacher. It is difficult to narrow research to one historical figure, assuming that the name was, in fact, valid. According to legend, John was the only one of the Merry Men to be with Robin at his death, and ensured his leader is buried properly. Little John supposedly then returned home where he spent his remaining days digging his own grave under the old yew tree. Allegedly, he ordered that his cap, bow, and arrows should be hung inside the church. There are two sites that claim John's remains; one beside his comrade, Robin, at the Kirklees Priory, the other at Hathersage in Derbyshire. A modern tombstone marks this latter alleged grave. The plot was owned by the Naylor family, who have claimed the legendary figure as an ancestor.
Folk Figure. Traditionally, second in command of Robin Hood's legendary Merry Men. Little John appears in the very earliest of the surviving Robin Hood tales, including ‘A Gest of Robyn Hode' published after 1490. The ballad ‘Robin Hood and Little John' claimed the outlaw's name was John Little, scholars have found many historical figures with the name, including the outlaw, John le Litel, a raider circa 1318, and Littel John, c. 1323, who appeared to have been a poacher. It is difficult to narrow research to one historical figure, assuming that the name was, in fact, valid. According to legend, John was the only one of the Merry Men to be with Robin at his death, and ensured his leader is buried properly. Little John supposedly then returned home where he spent his remaining days digging his own grave under the old yew tree. Allegedly, he ordered that his cap, bow, and arrows should be hung inside the church. There are two sites that claim John's remains; one beside his comrade, Robin, at the Kirklees Priory, the other at Hathersage in Derbyshire. A modern tombstone marks this latter alleged grave. The plot was owned by the Naylor family, who have claimed the legendary figure as an ancestor.
Bio by: Iola
Inscription
Here lies buried
Little John
The friend & lieutenant of
Robin Hood
He died in a cottage (now destroyed)
To the east of the churchyard
The grave is marked by
This old headstone & footstone
And is underneath this old yew tree
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