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Robin Hood: Legendary Man or Man of Legend?

© Anita Stratos

I doubt if there is any historical figure that is more highly debated than Robin Hood. Arguments for and against the likelihood that such a man actually existed are strong, and although he would most likely have lived during the 13th century, even now books are being written on the subject, while pubs and libraries play host to debates between believers and nonbelievers with strong convictions. In fact, it is these very arguments that have kept this beloved figure alive for over seven centuries. It's easy enough to believe that Robin Hood is nothing more than pure myth, so let's take a few moments to consider some of the more thought-provoking historical arguments for his existence.

According to a historical article written by Frank Dennett MBE, Sheriff of Nottingham in 1980-1981 and 1984-1985, there is ample evidence that Robin Hood did exist. Dennett writes out an extensive Kyme family lineage beginning in 1066, the family from which he believes Robin Hood descended. In it he states that Robert de Kyme, son of Lord William of Kyme of Nottingham, did not succeed to the title, did not respond to demands of the courts, and was declared an outlaw.

It was then that he changed his name to Robin Hood and fled to Sherwood Forest. The first actual written evidence is a court record from 1226 in which the name "Robin Hod" appears. Subsequent court and royal records, one in which "Robin Hod" was changed to "Robin Hood", continued to surface into the early 14th century. The earliest ballads, then a common way to relate history, about Robin Hood originated during the 14th century. Further, in 1341 John Fordun, the canon of Aberdeen, recorded Robin Hood's existence during 1266.

Despite such seemingly hard evidence, there are two different story lines with varied time frames and settings for Robin Hood. The story of the 13th century Nottinghamshire Robin speaks of a man who was born in 1160 and became a fugitive in order to escape arrest. Seeking refuge in Sherwood Forest, he robbed travellers and poached the King's deer, but his generosity to the local residents made him a hero. Little John is referred to as his henchman, but no Maid Marian or Friar Tuck appear in this story.

Robin's life ends rather sadly in 1248, when he was bled to death by his cousin at Kirklees Priory. The legend is unclear as to whether she did this by accident in trying to ease pain in his limbs, or whether she did it for the King. In any case, this legend states that Robin was buried at Kirklees Priory and that even today, a medieval gravestone with a partial inscription reading "here lies Robard Hude" (another alternate spelling of Robin Hood) is still visible today. However, a different, though highly accepted legend, speaks of Robin being buried by Little John where his last arrow fell. Robin was thought to be between 75 and 85 years old when he died.

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