Popular in Europe and beyond for a millenia and recorded in Old Norse, Welsh, Irish, German and [aparently the first non-religious text to be written in] Yiddish, the legend of Bevis & Ascapart is one of the most important non-Arthurian romances in Middle English. The chronicles tell of their adventures and heroic deeds - and most importantly the founding of Southampton!

Historic landmarks all over Southampton pay homage to Bevis & Ascapart, including the two lions that guard the medieval Bargate (Sir Bevis fought a couple of lions to defend his wife - who was not to be reckoned with herself - Pincess Josian), the restored clock bells in the remains of the bombed out Holyrood Church are struck by figurines of Ascapart and Sir Bevis, and Arundel Tower, one of the remaining parts of Southampton’s medieval castle, is said to be where Sir Bevis died.