“ Another writer states, what is well known in the neighbourhood, that—"There exists a cavity in the sands near Hale, in Lancashire, where tradition asserts that, on one occasion the famous 'Chylde' fell asleep, and on awaking found all his clothes had burst; and so much had he grown during this short nap, that he doubted his own identity. On his way homewards, he was attacked by a furious bull; but so strong had he become, that he caught it by the horns and threw it to an immense distance. ”

“ About eighty years ago, the body is said to have been taken up, and the principal bones were for some time preserved at Hale Hall. The thigh-bone reached from the hip of a common man to his feet, and the rest measured in proportion. After some time, the bones were reburied in the churchyard, but whereabouts is not known. He could only stand upright in the centre of the cottage in which he resided; and tradition states that he attained his wonderful stature in one night, in consequence of some spells and incantations that were practised against him. ”

“ In this costume he is said to have wrestled with the king's wrestler, whom he overcame and put out his thumb. This displeased some of the courtiers, and hence the King dismissed him with a present of £20. ”