This account of the story was published in a booklet entitled "A Guide to the Town of Watton and the Country adjacent thereto" by W.G. Clarke and published by George Self of Watton in 1909.

The fine old English ballad of "The Babes in the Wood" is one of the most popular in all parts of the country, but particularly in Norfolk, where the incidents narrated are firmly believed, by popular tradition, to have occurred. It will be remembered that a Norfolk gentleman of good estate happened to be dying at the same time as his wife, and left to his brother the care of his little boy about three years of age and a girl even younger. Provided the boy attained his majority he was to have £300 a year, and the little girl was to have £500 on her marriage-day, but should the children chance to die previously the money was to go to their uncle, who fully accepted the charge. After the death of their parents they were taken to the home of their uncle, who before "a twelvemonth and a day" had elapsed, devised to make off with them, so as to secure their money.

"He bargained with two ruffians strong,
Which were of furious mood,
That they should take the children young,
And slay them in a wood.
He told his wife an artful tale,
He would the children send
To be brought up in fair London
With one that was his friend."

The children went off happily, lured by the idea of pleasant games, and so prettily they prattled that one of those who undertook the deed relented, but the one who was hardest of heart vowed to do it because he had been well paid. So they debated furiously, then fought, and "he that was of mildest mood" slew his companion. He then took the children, who complained of hunger, and leaving them, said he would bring them bread.