The
Legend of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest
Robin Hood
is one of the greatest English folk heroes whose fame has spread throughout
the world through countless books, films and television series. The
romantic image of Robin Hood is of a medieval hooded figure in Lincoln
Green, a master bowman with a quick mind and mischievous sense of humour.
Dispossessed by greedy Norman overlords, he is forced to live beyond
the law in the leafy depths of Sherwood, a royal hunting forest. From
his forest lair he ambushes rich travellers, fights corrupt officials,
and shares the spoils of his outlawry with poor, oppressed peasants.The
legend of Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest can be traced back to as early
as the 14th century. To this day Sherwood Forest plays host to numerous
festivals to celebrate our favourite hero.
Many tourists visit
the Church of St Mary, Edwinstowe, where according
to legend, Robin Hood and Maid Marian were wed. The Church, built around
1175 is still used as a place of worship.
The Major
Oak is the most famous of the ancient oaks of Sherwood and
weighs an estimated 23 tonnes, its trunk circumference is 33 feet (10m)
and its branches spread to over 92 feet (28m). In a 2002 survey the
Major Oak was voted “Britain’s favourite tree”. It
was previously known as The Cockpen Tree as its hollow trunk was once
used to pen cockerels. Sherwood's ancient oaks are reputed to have been
the favoured hiding places of Robin Hood and his Merry Men and according
to local lore, the Major Oak itself was one of them. Though if, as legend
has it, Robin roamed Sherwood in the 12th or 13th century, the Major
Oak would have been a mere sapling then.
Tales
of Robin Hood - 30-38 MAID MARIAN WAY - NOTTINGHAM NG1 6GF
E-Mail robinhoodcentre@mail.com
Phone K Tel. +44 (0)115 948 3284 FAX. +44 (0)115 950 1536
