The North East Lincolnshire Directory

King Athelwold of England dies, leaving his baby daughter, Goldborough. The appointed King, Godrich Earl of Cornwall takes care of Goldborough and promises to fulfil the dead King's wish - to marry Goldborough to the strongest man in England when she is of age.

Meanwhile, King Birkabeyn of Denmark dies and Earl Godard is given the job of caring for the baby Havelock and his two sisters. But Godard, wishing to rule, kills the King's daughters and instructs a local warrior and fisherman, Grim, to drown Havelock at sea.

Grim tries to follow the Earl's instructions, but cannot face killing the baby, he takes him from the water and goes home. Grim and his wife decide to bring the baby up as one of their own.

That night they see a ray of light shining out of the baby's mouth as he sleeps and they discover a royal birthmark on his shoulder. Realising the baby's royal heritage and the danger they may be in, Grim and his family pack their belongings and set sail for England. When they land on British soil they found the town of Grimsby.

Havelock grows up and goes to work in Lincoln. While there he wins a shot put competition. (The stone he threw is still supposed to be lying somewhere within the walls of Lincoln Castle). Havelock gains the reputation of being the strongest man in England.

Godrich, Earl of Cornwall hears of Havelock and introduces Goldborough to him and keeps the dead king's wish. Goldborough and Havelock marry in Lincoln.

They return home to Grimsby and that night Goldborough dreams about Havelock becoming king and sees the light shining from his mouth in slumber. The next day Grim confirms Havelock's birthright and Havelock returns to Denmark to claim his throne.

Havelock returns in victory and he and Goldborough become King and Queen of Denmark and England. They have fifteen children and reign happily together for 60 years.

A copy of the 13th Century text "The Lay of Havelock the Dane" can be found in the Grimsby Public Library. The most recent translation of the 3001 line rhyming legend was completed by William Baines and published in 1980.

The statue shown above is located in the ground of Grimsby College at Nun' Corner and shows Grim coming out of the North Sea holding Havelock. The illustration is the seal of the Grimsby Haven Company and shows Grim, Havelock and Goldborough.