Little John’s Grave

Hathersage is a beautiful village in the Peak District, full of independent shops and boasting an outdoor swimming pool. Well known as a starting point for many moorland and fell trails which begin at the edge of the village and which also offer wonderful routes for running, cycling and hiking, it has a friendly, busy air, bustling with people who all seem to know one another. Found on a hill at the edge of the village, St Michael and All Angels, the village church, is a lovely building, open every day during daylight hours, famous for being the location of the grave of Little John, Robin Hood’s friend and follower.

There are a number of other connections with Robin Hood in this area, including Robin Hood’s Cave on Stanage Edge, Robin Hood’s Stoop on Offerton Moor, Robin Hood’s Cross on Abney Moor, and Hood Brook which runs out of the village. The story of Little John’s first meeting with Robin is probably one of the best known of the tales of Robin Hood, and John was supposed to be the only one of the ‘Merry Men’ with Robin when he died, helping him to fire an arrow which was to mark the spot where he, Robin, was to be buried.

According to Roger Lancelyn Green in his 1956 book, ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’:

Little John, however, did not stay at Kirkleys after he had laid his beloved friend and master in the grave. For some years, he dwelt in Ireland, where his feats of archery are still remembered; then he returned to England and was no more heard of, though his grave is still shown at Hathersage in Derbyshire.

It is said that Little John returned to die in the cottage where he was born. This was demolished in the latter part of the 19th century, but the site of his grave is now marked by a modern tombstone. In 1652, it was recorded that his longbow and cap were to be found hanging up in the Church, but during the late 18th, or early 19th century these were removed. No one seems to know what has happened to them since.

The grave was excavated in 1784 and a thigh bone, measuring 30 inches long was uncovered, suggesting someone measuring over 8ft is buried here, but there is no real ‘evidence’ which indicates this is the burial place of this character from legend. However, the grave is there, beneath a yew tree with a grave stone claiming this is indeed the final resting place of Little John.

You can reach the church from the village by walking east along the town’s main road and following School Lane northward. Church Bank, on the left, will then take you to the church. However, this is quite a climb so visitors can drive and park in a small car park just by the church. Make sure you take care if you do as the roads are narrow and winding!

The Adventures of Robin Hood

Roger Lancelyn Green

You can read about Robin Hood’s statue in Nottingham here.