Well, the "tour guide" in this case was "her ladyship," whose family has lived there for centuries, and the story is so detailed ("14 men") as to be taken seriously, if not enthusiastically believed.

That the family accepts the story as true is in itself significant to the history of the song. Thanks, Guest!

Further research might tease out what (if anything) really happened.

BTW, the chorus of Cox's 1880 version resembles that of "Sixteen Next Sunday." Too bad there's no tune given.