TALES of Old Middlesex is a new book based on the county's past.o

It is a collection of traditional stories involving kings, queens, heroes and villains by author Mike Hall.

The old county of Middlesex stretches from Enfield in the north-east down to Shepperton in the south-east, the home of the author.

Among the legends recounted are the origins of the King and Tinker pub on the edge of Enfield Chase.

The ancient estate of Theobalds, one of King James I favourite hunting grounds, was where the King decided to lose his escorts and rode off into the woods at Four Tree Hill.

In a secluded glade he came across an alehouse where a poor tinker sat drinking on the porch. After a casual greeting on the weather and the sport the pair were soon chatting like old friends.

The tinker told King James he had never had the honour of meeting the sovereign, unaware he was in the company of royalty.

The two rode out of the woods where the king's nobles awaited his return.

When the tinker saw them doff their hats to the king, he was mortified, having failed to pay homage to the monarch.

The tinker jumped from the horse and pleaded for mercy on his knees.

But the king laughed asked him his name. "John of the Vale," the tinker replied, " a mender of kettles and lover of good ale, if it please Your Majesty."

King James responded: "Then rise up, Sir John. I will honour you here and create thee a knight of five hundred a year. Come, enjoy my hospitality."

This story is one of 30 told in the book, published by Countryside Books, priced £6.95.