Biography of Robin Hood

Robin Hood was a leader of a band of outlaws who fought for the poor against the King’s representatives in Nottinghamshire.

When and Where was he Born?

1160, Lockesley in either Yorkshire or Nottinghamshire, England.

Family Background:

Robin Hood’s family and upbringing is unknown.

Education:

From family members.

Timeline of Robin Hood:

The first reference to Robin Hood by name appears in “The Vision of Piers Plowman” written by William Langland in 1377. Here a drunken priest admonishes himself for knowing the famous medieval rhymes of Robin Hood better than his prayers.

A fifteenth century manuscript held in Lincoln Cathedral “Lytell Geste of Robyn Hode” was the first ballad to tell the full Story of Robin and his merry men.

A manuscript in the British Museum places his birth in the twelfth Century and he must have lived during the reigns of King Richard the Lionheart and his brother John. The costs of the Crusades in the Holy Land began to cripple the economy of the country at this time and brought about political chaos. It is likely that a figure such as Robin Hood could have taken advantage of such political upheaval.

When and Where did he Die?

Murdered or died from an exsanguinating haemorrhage. 24th December 1247.

Age at Death:

87 (allegedly).

Marriage:

To Maid Marion.

Site of Grave:

Kirklees Abbey, Mirfield, Yorkshire, England.

Places of Interest:

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE:

Nottingham Castle.
Robin Hood Visitor Centre, Sherwood Forest.