Little John's Grave

This grave, situated in the grounds of Hathersage's St. Michael's and All Angels Church, is said to be that of Robin Hood's legendary friend, "Little John". The grave, which is clearly signposted from the main gate, lies beneath the yew trees on the south-west side of the churchyard. It was opened in 1784 and a thighbone 81 centimeters (32 inches) long was discovered, suggesting that a man of at least two meters (seven feet) was buried here. Little John is said to have lived close to this church and a bow thought to belong to him was kept here for many years but was removed for safe keeping about 25 years ago. Robin Hood himself is reputed to have been born at Loxley, only 13 kilometers (eight miles) from here.