THERE was no real Sir Bevois (or Bevis). He was a mythical character emanating from the Anglo-Norman poetic romance dating back to the 12th century.

According to the embellished stories, Sir Bevois was son of Sir Guy, The Earl of Hampton. Sold into slavery by his mother, he was passed onto Ermyn, King of Armenia.

While under his patronage most of the stories of Bevois' exploits occurred.

Bevois had a magic sword; Mortglay, and a magical horse; Hirondelle. Ascupart, his treacherous giant page and squire, was also at his service.

Returning to England to reclaim his father's land, Sir Bevois founded Southampton and performed heroic deeds. It is believed he built Arundel Tower - part of the fortified, medieval Southampton Castle - and named it after his horse.

The two lions that guard the city's historic Bargate commemorate when Bevois slayed them to protect his true love, Princess Josian.

Near to death, Bevois stood at the top of Arundel tower and made a wish to be buried in the place his sword landed after throwing it.

That spot is marked a little distance away by a now-famous steelmesh artwork at the entrance to Bevois Valley, near Portswood, which is meant to symbolise Sir Bevois's magic sword.

There are many references to the knight in Southampton, including the Bevois Castle pub, Josian Walk, Bevois Mount, Bevois Town and Ascupart Street.