Sir John Raven (“Little John”) is squire to Edward the Black Prince at Berkhamsted Castle. He is responsible for Berkhamsted’s archery battalion whose practice ground is at Butts Meadow. His duties include travelling around England to bring archery supplies from bowyers and fletchers in Cheshire. The invention of the English longbow is instrumental in the victories during the Hundred Years’ War at Poitiers, Crecy and Agincourt, and Raven probably plays an important part in these campaigns. It is possible that Raven is also part of the guard of honour at Berkhamsted and Hertford Castles during the imprisonment of King Jean of France.
John Raven is commemorated with a monumental brass in St Peter’s church, depicted in full medieval battle armour. Raven gives his name to Ravens Lane, a nearby street that leads to the Castle.
