The legend of Robin Hood

Robin Hood is generally placed in the 12th Century in the time of Richard the Lionheart and King John. When King Richard returned from the third Crusade in 1192, he was captured and held hostage in Austria to ransom for a huge sum of money. John saw this as his chance to claim the throne and seized it for himself. When Richard was released, he returned to England with an army and marched on John’s remaining supporters. One of John’s last strongholds was Nottingham, which Richard besieged in March 1194. He oversaw the construction of a giant trebuchet to pound the walls. Fearing the worst, the castle’s garrison surrendered before the great siege engine could be used.

Through various retellings of Robin Hood a consistent story has been produced. This includes Robin Hood and his Merry Men living in Sherwood forest, stealing from the rich to give to the poor, and fighting against the Sheriff of Nottingham who is often depicted as helping King John usurp the throne while Robin Hood remains loyal to King Richard.

Robin Hood is a symbol of hope, justice, and right triumphing over wrong. The narrative of him and his band of merry men coming together to defend and protect the rights of the poor and support the common people of Nottinghamshire is a great example of people coming together to support each other, even in a country divided by two Kings.

Sites in Nottinghamshire that are linked to the Robin Hood legend include Robin Hood's Well, located near Newstead Abbey, the Church of St. Mary in the village of Edwinstowe and the Major Oak also located at the village of Edwinstowe. The Major Oak, which resides in the heart of Sherwood Forest, is popularly believed to have been used by the Merry Men as a hide-out.