Taking up the battle toNews save Robin Hood’s grave

side of the The inscription on the grave reads as follows: Stean Hear Underneath dis laitl Laz robert earl of Huntingtun geud Ne’er arcir veraz hie sa An pipl kauld im robin heud Sick utlawz az hi an iz men Vil england nivr si agen 1247 Obiit 24 kal: Dekembris It roughly translates as: little “Here underneath this stone Lays Robert Earl of Huntingdon. so good Never archer were as he Robin And people called him Hood. his men Such outlaws as he and again.” Will England never see 1247 Died 24th day of December org urging planners to scrap their proposals for the parcel of land bordering Wakefield Road as it links Kirklees with Calderdale.

The petition, which has already attracted more than 1,000 signatures, is underscored by Robin Hood’s reputation as “an internationally renowned folk hero loved the world over by movie and television fans, and academics”.

It calls on the council to consider improving access to the area to encourage international tourism, claiming that to bulldoze the grave site would be to destroy one of the few tangible relics of Robin Hood that still exist.

The petition, which has been signed by people from across the UK, could mean the grave site becomes the focus of what could be a titanic scrap over past versus present.

Folklore says that a sick Robin lay in the gatehouse of Kirklees Priory, on land between Mirfield and Brighouse, where he was tended by his aunt, the prioress.

As his strength faded, Robin fired an arrow from his deathbed and ordered faithful friend and companion Little John to bury him where it fell. The grave site has been associated with Robin Hood since the 16th century.

Mirfield town councillor Steve Benson – who has walked, mapped and filmed the area around the grave – said the site was of enormous historical significance.

“It’s a valuable historical asset to the area,” he said. “It has enriched a lot of imaginations, including mine.

“The gravestone and the footstone have been there for many years. This is all preVictorian. The grave existed for many years before someone came along to protect it.

“There are very old yew trees planted around the grave. Longbows were made of yew. It’s a powerful connection.

“All that area is designated for industrial units in the Kirklees Local Plan, which runs until 2031.

“I have signed the petition because I believe it should be protected from development.”

To sign the petition, visit https://www. change.org/p/save-robin-hood-s-grave-fromdestruction