Robin Hood's Grave Revisited

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• published: 08 May 2012
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Mystery and intrigue continue to surround the alleged grave of Robin Hood at Kirklees, in West Yorkshire. In a new documentary, local film maker Drew Hartley explores the secrets of the grave. Situated in dense woodland, in the grounds of the ancient Armytage estate, the grave is said by some to house the mortal remains of the legendary outlaw Robin of the Hood. Some skeptics of a less romantic persuasion however, claim that the Victorian folly which marks the spot is just that. With proposed industrial developments now threatening to engulf the site, such controversy has escalated further. For many decades entrusted to the care of the late Lady Armytage, the grave's location on private land, and the intense privacy -- some might say secrecy -- with which it was guarded have aroused intense speculation amongst the residents of Kirklees and beyond. The special place the grave holds in the hearts of many local people is heartened by tales of ghostly sightings and frightening experiences from those who have made the illicit pilgrimage to the grave, defying the vicious brambles, dense canopies of twisted trees, and watchful gamekeepers and guard dogs. In April 2005 David Farrant, then Patron of the Yorkshire Robin Hood Society, and exorcist Gareth J. Medway conducted a twilight exorcism of the grave. This long vigil was accompanied by other members of the YRHS, including local campaigners for public access to the grave, Barbara Green and Catherine Fearnley. The vigil's aim was to dispel the gathering sense of doom and preternatural evil in the vicinity of the grave which so many have reported, and to lay to rest the wandering spirits which have struck fear into the hearts of so many unwelcome visitors. Concerned about the militant campaign being conducted by the YRHS, and its effects upon the health of the then 80 year old Lady Armytage, Farrant later resigned his position as Patron. In this film he and Gareth J. Medway reveal what happened on the fateful night of this most dangerous of ceremonies. In interviews with Brighouse film producer Drew Hartley, they also discuss the importance of the grave as a site of special interest -- regardless of whether the outlaw himself slumbers beneath this neglected mausoleum. 'I began by invoking the Goddess Athena, who traditionally was a destroyer of demons, by using the ancient Greek hymn. Next came the hymn to Hecate, who is a Goddess who took the trapped souls of the dead away into the light, then the Goddess Themis to bring harmony into there. However, I started stumbling over the words; a very cold feeling came over me, and it became obvious that there was a strong resistance to what I was doing. People who have seen things up there have asked me whether the ceremony worked. It is very hard to say because the grave is not visited regularly by lots of people. I can only say that after my experiences that night, I sincerely hope it worked.' Gareth J. Medway, May 2012  In 2002 Drew Hartley worked on a short film about Robin Hood's Grave with Mark Gibbons and Barbara Green. This was shelved at the editing stage due to the pursuit of other projects. Due to his continued interest in the legend Drew decided in 2012 to produce a new and updated documentary on the subject, in conjunction with the British Psychic and Occult Society.