Hi,

From Brown (see link above) we have this summary of the Legend:

"By comparing, now, the versions before us and noting the features which they have in common it is possible to define with some precision the kernel of the story: A boy who loves the Virgin devotedly sings often in her praise a certain response (or anthem). The Jews (or an individual Jew) on hearing the song are moved to anger, and determine to kill the singer. Watching their opportunity, they put him to death, and carefully conceal the body. The Virgin restores the boy to life and bids him sing as before (or causes the lifeless body to sing). By this miracle the crime is exposed and the murderers apprehended. Thereupon the Jews are (1) converted and baptized, or (2) punished by death or banishment. Such, at least, is the outline of the miracle as it is told in more than twenty versions. Three early versions (A IV, VI and VIII), which possibly in this respect may preserve the more primitive form of the story, lack the account of the boy's singing after his murder."

And this date, "This common original, now, in all probability was in existence even before the year 1200. Of the versions before us, no less than ten (A I-VII and B I—III) are found in manuscripts of the thirteenth century." This predates the 1255 murder of Sir Hugh of Lincoln and also, most likely, the murder of William of Norwich circa 1137.

Richie