Hob Hayward
Hob Hayward was a guard of the Shire during the War of the Ring. Hob was very old at the time of the War of the Ring. He guarded the Hay Gate at the High Hay near the Great East Road. The Ruffians had overtaken the Shire in 3019 of the Third Age and Hob was ordered to guard the gates put up near the Brandywine River. Frodo and his company returned on the night of October 30 of 3019. Hob knew that they had been gone for over a year, so he was surprised to see them because he thought that they were dead.
Hob told the Hobbits of how the Ruffians had invaded the Shire and it was being ruined. He allowed them to pass, though some guards warned against it because the Chief, Lotho Sackville-Baggins, had ordered the guards not to admit anyone at night. Hob said that these guards were loyal to the Chief.
Frodo and his company climbed the gate. Hob Hayward's fate is unknown, for he may have fought and died in the Battle of Bywater.
Hob told the Hobbits of how the Ruffians had invaded the Shire and it was being ruined. He allowed them to pass, though some guards warned against it because the Chief, Lotho Sackville-Baggins, had ordered the guards not to admit anyone at night. Hob said that these guards were loyal to the Chief.
Frodo and his company climbed the gate. Hob Hayward's fate is unknown, for he may have fought and died in the Battle of Bywater.
Names & Meanings
The name Hayward is based upon the fact that Hob Hayward was the guard of the High Hay. Hay means "fence" and ward means "guard."
References
The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King: "The Scouring of the Shire," pages 277-279
"Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings," entry for Hayward
"Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings," entry for Hayward
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