Robin Hood

The story of Robin Hood has been one of great interest among a select group of historians throughout history. By pouring through various texts and versions of the Robin Hood story, a few Robin Hood specialists have agreed that the tale to be used to determine historical accuracy would be A Lytell of Robyn Hode, which is a ballad written a little before the year 1500; it is thought to be the first ever version of the tale. By connecting the events told in the Lytell with historical evidence, one can deduce that the story of Robin Hood was indeed based upon an actual person named Robert Hood, Earl of Huntington. Much evidence, which can be narrowed down to three main topics, supports this theory.

B. The Public Records Office of England reports that in 1316 Robert and his wife Matilda purchased a five room house in Wakefield; later that year, he was fined for not joining King Edward II's army to invade Scotland.

1. It is reported that Robert joined the Lancastrian revolt against the crown in 1320.

2. When this revolt was later suppressed, Robert's land and title were seized by the sheriff.

3. Many historians believe Robin Hood was one of the rebels outlawed after the uprising; as a result, his property and possessions would have been seized just as Robert's were.

C. After the Lancastrian revolt is suppressed, the outlaws are believed to have fled to a knight's castle for protection from the sheriff.

1. Public Records indicate that this particular knight's official title was Sir Richard of the Lee.

2. The knight whom Robin gave 400 English pounds to for payment to the abbot of St. Mary's Abbey in the Lytell also had the same official title, Sir Richard of the Lee.

3. 400 English pounds is equivalent to over $300,000 USD today.

4. Historians today agree that Sir Richard's castle would have been a very strategic position for Robin and his Merry Men to take up refuge.

-It afforded a great view of the Barnsdale forests

-It allowed Robin to lock the sheriff out if needed

-It would have been a safe haven during the winters

D. The inscription on Robert's gravestone is the same exact inscription the Lytell says was engraved on Robin Hood's gravestone.

1. The Lytell says Robin was buried under a gravestone that read: (translated to modern English)

Here, underneath