The battered and chopped effigy of the Fitzwalter now lying by the side of his wife in the church is no longer said to be, however, but rather the bearer of the name who died in 1432.
The remaining figure in the church may or may not represent the "Fair Matilda." A stern archæologist has suggested, indeed, that it is the effigy of the wife of the second of the Fitzwalters. But the touching and beautiful expression of the alabaster face goes well with what history and tradition tell us of the lovely Matilda, and with the tale originally told in the Dunmow Chronicle.
Legend has made her the "Maid Marian" whom Friar Tuck united to Robin Hood, and the story is set forth in a novel by the author of the once-esteemed Proverbial Philosophy.
"Maid Marian" is, however, as Dr. Brewer points out, the boy in the Morris dance, and is so called from the morion which he wore on his head. ("A set of morrice dancers," says Temple, "danced a maid marian.")
But the story of the pursuit of the beautiful daughter of Fitzwalter by John has been thought to be well founded. Upon her father resisting the King he was dispossessed of all his property. Other barons took sides against the sovereign, and Newcourt writes that Fitzwalter fled into France. John, having spoiled the castles of those who resisted him,
sent a messenger to the fair Matilda now remaining here in Dunmow about hie old suit in love, and because she would not agree to his wicked motion, the messenger poison'd a boil'd or poch'd egg against she was hungry and gave it to her, whereof she died, and was buried here in the choir at Dunmow, between two pillars in the S. side thereof.
Another story is that the King sent Matilda a pair of poisoned gloves. (See [Appendix].)
