Monday, August 26, 2024

Robin Hood meets Alan A Dale. St James Church, Papplewick.

 

The Church of St James, Papplewick, was rebuilt in 1795. But according to some versions of the legend, it was in the churchyard which stood here centuries earlier, that Robin Hood is believed to have first met a distressed Alan A Dale. Robin would go on to help Alan regain his sweetheart Ellen from an arranged marriage to an old nobleman not of her choosing. (I should point out that other versions of the story cite the church as Campsall, and that Alan A Dale's intended wife was Alice de Beauforest.)

Papplewick was the headquarters of the Royal Foresters who tended to the upkeep of the King's forests, and St. James' Church was their burial place. Several medieval grave slabs, showing bows, arrows and hunting horns, can still be seen here today. These foresters cut their bows from the surrounding yew trees and, according to legend, Robin Hood did the same



No comments:

Post a Comment

Robin Hood Was Here, is suitable for all ages. Please observe that when leaving comments.