There are a number of myths and legends connected with Whittington and the Castle. In fact, it is thought rather uncanny for one small village in England to be associated with so much of our nations folklore.
Dick Whittington
Obviously!!! I expect that all Whittington’s in the UK would claim Richard Whittington, Mayor of London, as their most famous son. However, similarities between Dick Whittington’s coat of arms to those of Fulk Fitzwarine (who was largely responsible for the building of Whittington Castle) may not be pure coincidence and the cottage where he reputedly lived is not far from the Castle. With the A5 passing right in front of the Castle gates it seems entirely reasonable that Dick set out along this ancient route to London to seek his fortune.
Robin Hood
There are many similarities between the lives of Fulk Fitzwarine and Robin Hood which suggest that the two characters may have similar origins within our oral tradition. They were both outlawed by King John for instance. But that is not where the similarities end. http://www.boldoutlaw.com/realrob/
The Holy Grail
In his book “The search for the Grail” Graham Phillips links the grail legends to Fulk Fitzwarine and Whittington Castle. http://www.britannia.com/history/arthur/marian.html
Fulk Fitzwarine III
Read a translation of the medieval manuscript “The history of Fulk Fitzwarine” which resides in the British Museum and which explains the link to Robin Hood. You can find the text here. http://www.yorku.ca/inpar/fulk_kemp.pdf
“Mad” Jack Mytton
Jack Mytton lived close to the Castle at Halston.
Babes in the Wood
The hamlet of Babbinswood (Babies-in-the- wood) lies 1 mile south of the Castle.
The Cursed Chest
Little is known about this impressive object and its connection with the Castle and its owners. It is approximately 5’x3’x3′ and weighs about 10cwt. There is much rumour and innuendo about it but that’s probably not surprising considering there is a curse on it. The key is apparently in the moat!!!
The chest was recently moved from the Castle for safe-keeping.
If you want to find out more about the myths and legends of Shropshire visit Mythstories Museum in Wem. You can find more details here http://www.mythstories.com/
