'Old John' is Leicestershire's best known landmark and stands in Bradgate Park. Bradgate House was the home of Lady Jane Grey, the nine day Queen and if you visit the park have a look at the ancient trees. It is said that when the queen was beheaded all the trees were also beheaded in mourning.
     A windmill stood on the hill near the House and old John was the miller. Unfortunately his windmill was destroyed by fire.
     Shortly afterwards, in 1786, at the coming of age celebrations of the son and heir of the Fifth Earl of Stamford, an immense bonfire was built in the park and a high pole was erected surrounded by logs and tar barrels. Old John was in charge, but when the fire was at its height the central pole collapsed and fell on the head of old John, fatally injuring him.