Dead Man's Plaque.

Dead Man’s Plaque.

This statue was erected in 1825 by Lt. Col. Iremonger. It  commemorates the death of Athelwold, in 965, according to a legend during the reign of King Edgar (959-975).

Edgar had heard of a great beauty named Elfrida, an Earls daughter in Devon.  He sent Athelwold to view her and report on her beauty as he wished to marry her.  Athelwold reported back that she was quite plain but in reality she was a great beauty and Athelwold married her himself.
When the King heard the rumours and saw Elfrida he fell in love with her and she willingly left her husband to be with the King.  The King sent for Athelwold and asked him to join him in Harewood Forest  so they might hunt together.  During the hunt Athelwold was killed with a javelin believed to be by the Kings hand in vengeance.