| The story of Robin
Hood has been told for more than 600 years and it’s
a tale so well known that it doesn’t need to be
retold... but don’t worry, we’ll tell it anyway.
Legend has it that in the time of Richard the Lionheart a minor noble of Nottinghamshire, Robin of Loxley,
was outlawed for poaching deer. He is said to have lived
in Sherwood Forest, making a living by stealing
from rich travellers and distributing the loot among
the poor of the area. It’s here he gained a band
of followers, his Merry Men, and the love of Maid
Marian.
Despite the efforts of the evil Prince John, namely the Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin avoided capture and
was granted a full pardon when King Richard returned from
the Crusades.
There are many sites around Nottingham associated with
Robin Hood, including Nottingham Castle [map], St Mary’s Church [map] in the Lace Market, Edwinstowe Church [map],
where he supposedly wed Maid Marian, and Fountaindale
[map] , near Blidworth, where his battle with Friar Tuck is said to have taken place.
In the 12th century, when Robin Hood is believed to have
lived, few people could read or write and as a result
there is little written evidence of Britain’s best-loved
hero. Instead, people learnt about Robin’s exploits
through poems and songs, such as the 16th century ballad
'A Geste Of Robyn Hoode'. Since then many more books and
songs have been written about the world’s most famous
outlaw and Hollywood heart-throbs like Errol Flynn and Kevin Costner have portrayed Robin on the big
screen.
Fact or fiction, the story of Robin Hood and his Merry
Men has captured the imagination of generations, as it
means so many things to so many people. Whether you love
it for the triumph of good over evil, the robbing of the
rich for the poor, or for the romance of Robin and Marian,
one thing is certain, it’s an enchanting tale.
These days the legend lives on in Nottingham at the Tales
of Robin Hood [map], the city’s most popular tourist
attraction situated on Maid Marian Way. Just
a two-minute walk from Nottingham Castle, this interactive
museum makes for a great day out with family, school
or as part of a tourist group.
Here you can enter the dark and romantic world of medieval
Nottinghamshire to experience life, myth and adventure,
just as Robin Hood did way back when! There is also a bronze statue of Robin Hood [map], with his bow and arrow,
at Nottingham Castle.
Those wanting to see where the ‘Prince of Thieves’
spent his days should head out to Sherwood Forest Country
Park [map].
In the visitors' centre here, there’s an exhibition
detailing how Robin and his men lived. The major attraction
here is the Major Oak, where Robin is supposed
to have hidden.
If you want to go the whole hog, pay a visit to the Sheriff’s
Lodge [map] on Canal Street, where you can enjoy
a five-course banquet and live entertainment, while dressing
up like Robin or one of his merry men.
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