Grave of King’s ‘curiosity’ Peter the Wild Boy and two war memorials get Grade II listing

Peter the Wild Boy when he was young and, below, as an adult, and his grave

The three assets have been listed under the Planning (listed buildings and conservation areas) Act and added to the ‘List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest’. They now have Grade II status.

Peter the Wild Boy was found dishevelled, unable to speak and walking on all fours in Hertswold forest near Hanover, Germany, in 1724.

He later met King George I, who brought the boy – thought to be in his early teens when he was found – back to England in 1926.

Peter the Wild Boy. There was also a fake portrait in circulation, based on a drawing by the miniaturist Alefounder, of an old paviour called White who had a long flowing beard. (Boxmoor Collection) ENGPNL00120110112103640

Peter – given the name as whenever the word was mentioned he seemed to respond – lived as a curiosity in the King’s court.

When his novelty waned, he was sent to Northchurch to become a farm labourer.

He was buried in the village’s St Mary’s Church after dying in 1785 aged about 72. Flowers are still left at his grave to this day.

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Listed status provides protection to ensure that the historic environment is conserved for the benefit of present and future generations.

Assistant team leader for Dacorum Borough Council’s conservation and design team Fiona Webb said that the listing will highlight ‘how much we have to be proud of’.

She said the area has ‘rich heritage, sitting alongside the modern regeneration we are undertaking’.

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Ms Webb said: “The listing of the war memorials is particularly fitting as the centenary of the First World War is commemorated.

“As the local authority we look to protect our heritage assets so that future generations can continue to enjoy them.”

All three heritage assets have now been published on the National Heritage List for England.

In letters to Dacorum Borough Council, English Heritage says: “Markyate War Memorial is a simple but imposing and elegant monument in crucifix form demonstrating craftsmanship in the use of Portland stone.

“The special historic interest of Markyate War Memorial is reflected in its commemoration of the men of the village who died in the First World War.

“The historic interest is enhanced by the recent addition of a Roll of Honour to the wall behind the monument, dedicated to the men of the village who lost their lives during the Second World War and conflicts in Greece and Northern Ireland.”