The Founding Legend Of Grimsby

        There is a famous ancient British legend, which tells us that Grimsby Town was founded by a Danish settler by the name of Grim. There have been people sceptical of this claim, holding to the opinion rather that Grimsby is a town that began with a 'fairy tale,' that it is pure 'myth,' mere 'fable,' or indeed, that it all amounts to nothing but 'an old wives tale,' yet one can forgive them. For even occasional learned scholars have been content to decide that it is possibly pure fiction and merely a popular old romantic tale, which need not be taken too seriously. Fortunately, however, there have been historians in the past who have taken the matter very seriously. Yet, some of the examples of opinion given, derisive though they may be, are valuable to us in illustrating just one of the reasons why this legendary tale has been so famous. As well as being one of the most delightful and charming legendary tales of antiquity that has come down to us, possibly from the time of the ancient Britons and King Arthur, it has also been famous for becoming probably the most controversial.

According to the legend, there had been an invasion into Denmark which had resulted in the death of the Danish king and a threat to the life of his son Havelok, the infant prince, from the usurper upon the throne. Fortunately Grim managed to save the child, provision a ship, and with Havelok and his family safely aboard, he fled as a fugitive from his former homeland, sailing to freedom across the sea to England. Surviving an attack made by marauders and a storm in the North Sea crossing, he found a safe haven and tidal creek off the Humber. Landing at the site in his storm-battered ship, and finding it unoccupied, he decided to stay using his ship's timbers to build his home. Grim then took up the life of a fisher and prospered greatly by supplying fish to all the marsh folk, to all the towns and villages in Lindsey * and to the city of Lincoln, bringing Havelok up as his own son.
Over the years, people drew to the place and the settlement grew and so too did Havelok. He grew to manhood, tall and strong, a gentle giant, courteous, kind and true, loved by all, yet without recall of his former life or real identity. It was said that as a seven-year old child, he had seen his two little sisters murdered in cold blood, also witnessing the death of his mother, so it had been a blessing. Grim kept silent about the truth having seen signs and portents that the time would come when Havelok would learn all and regain his rightful crown. Yet, he made provision for that time.

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