Robin Hood audio trail - Nottingham

The recent release of the Robin Hood Trail online is a great source of content for finding out more about Robin Hood. In the first track listing for Nottingham Castle we learn a lot about the authenticity of the legend, the real role of the Sheriff of Nottingham, and perhaps the best of the original medieval tales, Robin Hood and the Monk. As far as finding out whether Robin Hood really existed, evidence points to a Robert Hod as the prime candidate who was a recorded tenant of the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1225 and classed as an outlaw. This certainly ties in with the times of Robin Hood being just ten years after the death of King John. Robin and the Monk Essentially the medieval tale is a thriller as Robin is recognised by a Monk at St Mary’s Church and is captured by the Sheriff’s men. Robin’s appearance in Nottingham is against the wishes of Little John and Much the Miller’s Son who believe he needs protecting as the city was a dangerous place for an outlaw. Despite going against the wishes of his Merry Men, Robin is eventually rescued by his friends after Little John and Much assume the role of the King’s representative and dupe the Sheriff by getting him drunk. St Mary’s Church is the only surviving building from the medieval tales and is only a few steps away from the Galleries of Justice, where the Sheriff traditionally distributed law and order. This area is a must for Robin Hood fans seeking out the authentic legend. The Sheriff of Nottingham The audio goes on to talk about the real role of the Sheriff, whose title comes from the responsibility of being the Shire Reeve. This important role was responsible for collecting taxes, keeping the King’s peace and hunting down criminals. We can see why Robin continues to evade capture and defeat the Sheriff though, despite this authority the Sheriff had measly resources and had to rely on raising a posse from local people to help maintain law and order. Covering both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, you can see why Robin was able to evade the Sheriff if he had the backing of the people. The risks were great though, there was a price put on your head if you were declared an outlaw and someone could claim the reward by presenting you dead or alive. Head on to the Robin Hood Trail to find out more about the legend and download the audio tracks.