Trivia-
Pepys mentioned the ballad (Library, 1620)- "A pleasant new ballad of the murther of Sir John Barleycorn."
Barli corn appeared in print in the 1380s.

In measure, a barleycorn is one-third of an inch. 1607- "It is ordained that three Barly Cornes dry and round shall make up the measure of an inch.

The lyrics of JOHN BARLEYCORN (2) ('the hero bold) in the DT lack the last verse common to many of the the 19th c. broadsides:

Then shout for great John Barleycorn,
Nor heed the luscious wine,
I've not the mind much charm to find
In potent draught of wine.
Give me my native nut brown ale,
All other drinks I scorn,
True English cheer is English beer,
Our own John Barleycorn.

Harding B11 (1509), 1863-1865; and others, mid-19th c. Bodleian Collection.