Tomb of Jack O'Legs

The sign marking Jack O' Legs' grave willgould0492 (Atlas Obscura User)

Jack O’Legs was a mythical giant who, like Robin Hood, stole from the rich and gave to the poor. According to local legends, Jack lived in a cave in the woods, not far from the medieval town of Baldock.

After raiding the stores of the rich bakers of nearby Baldock and giving the spoils to the poor folk of Weston one too many times, Jack was captured and tortured. His final wish, was to be buried wherever the arrow fired from his bow landed. He picked up his great bow (which was so large that only he could wield it), loosed his arrow, and it landed in the graveyard of Weston Church.

The site of Jack O’Leg’s grave can still be seen in the church. It is marked by two posts—one for his head and one for his feet.

Know Before You Go

The church is accessible via car on Church Lane or a short walk from the centre of Weston. The graveyard is open to the public and the church itself is often left open during the day for passersby to wander in.