The Robin Hood Picture Gallery

Images of that merry wolfshead and his surroundings.

Many people are coming to this page directly from a search engine. The Picture Gallery is only a small part of my whole Robin Hood website.

Contents

Robin Hood from Daniel Maclise's classic Victorian painting.

Images of Robin Hood Through the Ages

Robin Hood in Film and Television

Robin Hood in Theatre

Pictures of my trip to Robin Hood Country (1993)

My Return to Robin Hood Country (1999)

My Further Adventures in Robin Hood Country (2003)

Once More in Robin Hood Country (2006)
Featuring the 2006 Robin Hood Festival

Thank yous and Acknowledgments


Images of Robin Hood Through the Ages


Robert Hod, fugitive Record of a real life Robin Hood from 1225-6.
A Lyttell Geste of Robyn Hode Frontispiece from Wynkyn de Worde's edition, published between 1492-1534.
A woodcut of Robin Hood from 1508 Used previously as Chaucer's yeoman.
A True Tale of Robin Hood Frontispiece from Martin Parker's tale, 1687 edition. Also used for Adam Bell, another English outlaw.
Bold Robin Hood A broadside ballad, circa 1830, featuring a version of Robin Hood Rescuing Three Squires housed in the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books.
Robin Hood and His Merry Men Section of the romantic painting by Daniel Maclise, 1845.
The Merry Friar carrieth Robin across The Water From Howard Pyle's 1883 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Robin Hood and Friar Tuck Now see actors bring that classic scene to life. The 16th play Robin Hood and the Friar was performed at the University of Rochester.
Robin Hood meeteth the tall Stranger on the Bridge The first meeting of Robin and Little John from Howard Pyle's 1883 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Robin and the Tinker at the Blue Boar Inn From Howard Pyle's 1883 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Stout Robin hath a narrow Escape   From Howard Pyle's 1883 The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Robin Hood By Louis Rhead. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Maid Marian By Louis Rhead. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Master Will Scarlet By Louis Rhead. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
The Sheriff of Nottingham By Louis Rhead. Image appears courtesy of The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester .
Robin Hood and the Men of the Greenwood Classic 1917 illustration by N.C. Wyeth)
Movie poster from The Adventures of Robin Hood This poster from Errol Flynn's film is on my wall. A birthday gift from my mom.
Robin Hood: An International Exhibition Dr. Kevin Carpenter and Bianca Jung with a collection of Robin Hood children's books from around the world. A small part of exhibit during the Rochester, NY part of its tour.
Robin Hood Children's Books Another picture of the exhibit and its organizors.
Robin Hood's Grave at Kirklees The early ballads state that Robin Hood died at Kirklees. This enclosure is said to be Robin's burial ground. It is currently on the property of Lady Armytage. David Hepworth took this photo with her permission.
Robin Hood's Tombstone This 18th century slab was probably the work of Sir Samuel Armytage. The words resemble the epilogue to Parker's 17th century ballad "A True Tale of Robin Hood". Photo taken by Dave Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage.
Another Kirklees Shot A wider look at the grave slab and the stone in front. Photo by David Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage. For more Kirklees pictures, please see the section about my July 1999 trip to Robin Hood country.
The Robin Hood Display at the D.B. Weldon Library at the University of Western Ontario -- May - July, 2001 This majority of this collection is stuff from my collection, which I loaned out for a display arranged in conjunction with the third Robin Hood academic conference.
Modern Novels and Short Story Anthologies on display at the D.B. Weldon Library at the University of Western Ontario -- May - July, 2001 The books in the foreground half of the case belong to me, behind them are assorted items from the University of Western Ontario's libraries.
Classic Robin Hood Children's Novels and Comic Books on display at the D.B. Weldon Library Among the items from my collection in this case are the first two Robin Hood books I ever owned.
Robin Hood Comic Books on display at the D.B. Weldon Library I first collected Robin Hood comics for an academic paper which I delivered at the 1998 SEMA conference and a modified version of it at the 1999 Robin Hood conference in Nottingham.
More Robin Hood Comic Books on display at the D.B. Weldon Library The middle comic in the front row is Robin Hood and Company, a Canadian comic from 1946. The first issue of the series is usually considered the first Canadian comic book.
Robin Hood in Film and Television on display at the D.B. Weldon Library Most of these items are mine, but the vinyl soundtrack to the classic 1938 movie is from librarian John Lutman's private collection.
More Robin Hood in Film and Television on display at the D.B. Weldon Library I made sure that some Robin of Sherwood videos and the Clannad soundtrack would be present in the collection.
Assorted Robin Hood Items on display at the D.B. Weldon Library I bought many of these in Nottingham or Sherwood. And yes, that is Robin the Boy Wonder. Originally he was named after Robin Hood, not the bird.
Assorted Newspapers and Pamphlets on display at the D.B. Weldon Library These sheets are from the University of Western Ontario's collection.
Robin Hood Books on display at the D.B. Weldon Library From the UWO collections: included in this case is a first edition of Jospeh Ritson's 1795 ballad collection.
Robin Hood Throw, made by Robin Hood Multifoods This gorgeous item was given to me as a thank you for the display items that I loaned to the conference.
Cake with the Robin Hood Flour logo Robin Hood Multifoods generously provided some funding for the third academic conference. This cake was the dessert at the Friday night banquet.
Robin Hood display at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre A statue of the outlaw hero at the educational display.
The High Sheriff of Nottingham display at the Visitor Centre Yes, the bad guy gets a display too.
Robin Hood is pardoned by the king A story that, with some substantial changes, has lasted from the late medieval ballads until today. This is another display at the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.


Robin Hood in Film and Television

Douglas Fairbanks in Robin Hood The sultan of silent cinema swashbucklers in this 1922 silent movie classic, along with Enid Bennett as Maid Marian.
Movie poster from The Adventures of Robin Hood This poster from Errol Flynn's film is on my wall. A birthday gift from my mom.
Robin Hood and Will Scarlet Errol Flynn and Patric Knowles in the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robin Hood.)
Errol Flynn as Robin Hood Another picture of the classic outlaw from the 1938 movie The Adventures of Robin Hood.)
The Story of Robin Hood and his Merrie Men Anthony Forwood as Will Scarlet, Richard Todd as Robin Hood, and James Robertson-Justice as Little John in the 1952 Disney film.
Joan Rice from The Story of Robin Hood The sprightly Maid Marian in the 1952 film.
Richard Greene in The Adventures of Robin Hood Greene was the classic 1950s TV Robin Hood, described by historian Stephen Knight as "squadron leader Robin Hood". He's pictured here with Alexander Gauge as Friar Tuck.
Robin Hood Daffy Daffy Duck as Robin Hood from the classic 1958 cartoon by Chuck Jones.
A Challenge for Robin Hood The Merry Men in the 1967 Hammer film. From left to right: Douglas Mitchell as Will Scarlett, Eric Flynn as Alan-a-Dale, and Barrie Ingham as Robin de Courtenay aka Robin Hood.
Rocket Robin Hood Will Scarlet, Little John and Rocket Robin Hood from the weird and fun 1960s Canadian cartoon.
The Disney Cartoon Robin Hood Tuck as a badger, Little John as a bear, Robin as a fox and Marian as a vixen in this 1973 animated feature.
Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in Robin and Marian Aging outlaws in a superb 1976 movie.
Michael Praed from Robin of Sherwood Robin of Loxley/Robin Hood from the first two seasons of this popular British TV series. Courtesy of Spirit of Sherwood .
Jason Connery and the Merry Men The third series cast from Robin of Sherwood. Left to right: Clive Mantle as Little John, Ray Winstone as Will Scarlet, Mark Ryan as Nasir, Peter Llewellyn Williams as Much, Jason Connery as Robert of Huntingdon/Robin Hood, Judi Trott as Marion and Phil Rose as Tuck. Also from Spirit of Sherwood.
Patrick Bergin and Uma Thurman in Robin Hood Competing with the more famous Kevin Costner film, this movie was shown on North American TV in 1991. It's better than Prince of Thieves.
Kevin Costner in Robin Hood -- Prince of Thieves Costner is Robin Hood to many people -- I am NOT one of those people.
Patrick Stewart from Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Q-Pid" The Puckish entity known as Q transforms the Enterprise crew into Robin and the Merry Men. Patrick Stewart as Robin/Capt. Picard, Michael Dorn as Will Scarlet/Lt. Worf and Gates McFadden as generic wolfshead/Dr. Crusher.
"Sir, I must protest! I am not a merry man!" He may be a sourpuss Klingon, but Worf's still gets the funniest line.
Cary Elwes in Robin Hood -- Men in Tights Unlike some other Robin Hoods, he can speak with an English accent. Gasp!)
The Merry Men -- in Tights! "%%We're men -- men in tights, we roam around the forest looking for fights.%%" From left to right -- David Chappelle as Achoo, Eric Allan Kramer as Little John, Cary Elwes as Robin, Matthew Porretta as Will Scarlet O'Hara and Mark Blankfield as Blinkin.
Jonas Armstrong as Robin Hood A publicity photo from the new BBC TV series.
An early publicity photo of Russell Crowe as Robin Hood from the 2010 film. An early publicity photo of Russell Crowe as Robin Hood in the 2010 film.

Robin Hood in Theatre

Robin Hood in A Merry Family Musical Dan Chameroy played Robin in this 1996 pantomime staged in Toronto, which was turned into a 1997 TV special.
The Sheriff and Marian in A Merry Family Musical Ross Petty produced this pantomime and played the role of the Sheriff; June Crowley is Marian.
Will Scarlet and "Fred" in A Merry Family Musical The top billing went to the panto's Will Scarlet -- famous Canadian dancer Frank Augustyn and his frequent partner well-known ballerina Karen Kain -- aka Mrs. Ross Petty -- who played the spirit of the forest, a faerie who adopted the guise of the outlaw "Fred".
The Merry Men versus the Friar's Men A group scene from Robin Hood and the Friar, a 16th Robin Hood play, performed at the University of Rochester.
The Merry Men duel with the Friar's Men Another group scene from Robin Hood and the Friar.
Robin Hood and Friar Tuck in Action Also from Robin Hood and the Friar.
Robin Hood and Friar Tuck Actors bring this classic scene to life.
Friar Tuck at Bay Yet another scene from the Rochester play.
Robin Hood: A Castle Tale Robin and the gang don sunglasses and celebrate their outlaw success in this kids' play performed at Toronto's Casa Loma in March 1998. Little John's the short one.
Robin and the Merry Men in Disguise Also from the Casa Loma play. The sheriff's on the left, and the people on his right are the Merry Men sneaking into the Nottingham archery contest.
The Merry Men and the Loot Yet another shot from Casa Loma. Tuck was in drag for the whole play.
A Merry Man prepares to shoot A photo taken before PLS's production of Robin Hood and the Friar, held at the 3rd Robin Hood conference. June 1, 2001. Merry Man #2 -- Arrow Boy -- played by Matt Richardson.
The Merry Men Joking Around in Robin Hood and the Friar From the Poculi Ludique Societas (PLS) production at the 2001 Robin Hood conference, held at the University of Western Ontario. (Merry Man (Will Scarlet): Kevin Robinson, Maid Marion: Ty Andrassi, Robin Hood (caught in choke hold): Todd Campbell and Little John: Rob Westgate.
Robin Hood on the back of Friar Tuck in Robin Hood and the Friar The classic scene recreated by PLS, the Toronto-based theatre company famed for their medieval and Renaissance productions. Robin Hood: Todd Campbell. Friar Tuck: S. Tyson.
Tables Turned in Robin Hood and the Friar Robin Hood (Todd Campbell) has been thrown into the water by Friar Tuck (S. Tyson) while a Merry Man (Matt Richardson) and a "lady free" (Ty Andrassi) look on. From the 2001 PLS production, directed by Daniel Levinson and produced by Linda Phillips.
Robin Hood in Trouble from Robin Hood and the Friar Another picture from the 2001 Robin Hood conference's version of this 16th century play. Robin Hood is played by Todd Campbell and Friar Tuck is S. Tyson.
Robin and the Merry Men in Robin Hood and the Friar Yet another photo from the PLS production held on June 1, 2001 at the third international Robin Hood conference in London, Ontario, Canada. From left to right: Kevin Robinson as Merry Man #1 aka Will Scarlet, Todd Campbell as Robin in the front), Ty Andrassi as "a lady free" aka Maid Marion, Rob Westgate as Little John and Matt Richardson as Merry Man #2 aka "Arrow Boy".
More Chaos in Robin Hood and the Friar Yes, more from the 2001 production by PLS. See credits above.
Friar Tuck and his "Lady Free" in Robin Hood and the Friar S. Tyson as Tuck and Ty Andrassi as Maid Marion. Although unnamed in the original play, some historians believe Tuck's romantic partner to be Maid Marion.
Morris Dancing After Robin Hood and the Friar As the PLS production concluded, the actors began a traditional morris dances. Morris dances appeared at some of the village festivals where plays like Robin Hood and the Friar were originally performed. Dance Consultant: Clyde Whittam.
Ticket for the 1886 Pageant at Fountains Abbey When Ripon celebrated the 1000th anniversary of their city charter, Master of the Revels D'Arcy Ferrers chose to recreate the classic scene of Robin and the Friar. Prof. John Marshall reproduced the tickets to accompany his highly entertaining paper on this festival.
The Sad Shepherd performed by Robin Hood Scholars
Stephen Knight as Maudlin, the Witch of Papplewick. Maudlin has assumed the form of Marian to beguile Sayre Greenfield's Robin. A dramatic reading of Ben Jonson's 17th century unfinished Robin Hood play at the 2003 Robin Hood academic conference.

 

Pictures from my trip to Robin Hood Country (May 1993)


Robin Hood Statue from the Castle Green, Nottingham Many locals aren't too fond of the statue and have dubbed in the World's Largest Garden Gnome.
Another shot of the Robin Hood Statue Still, efforts to replace the statue with an Errol Flynn-like statue have been resisted.
Robin Hood with the head of Guy of Gisborne From The Tales of Robin Hood, a wonderful tourist attraction in Nottingham.
Herne the Hunter Costume from Robin of Sherwood on display at The Tales of Robin Hood.
The Gatehouse of Nottingham Castle Sadly, it's the only medieval part of the castle left.
The Olde Trip to Jerusalem The "Trip" claims to be the oldest pub in England. The oldest part, from 1189, is carved into the castle rock. It's a great place to have a pint.
Robin Hood in the caves beneath the Salutation Inn This is another old pub. It was a meeting place in the English Civil War, and there are caves underneath. The statue was gone when I returned to the pub in 1999.
Major Oak in Sherwood Forest This oak tree is often said to be Robin Hood's headquarters. That's me in the photo.
Robin Hood and Little John Robin Hood and Little John engage in their famous quarterstaff duel. That's Sherwood Forest in the background.
St. Mary's Abbey, York Ruins of the medieval abbey whose abbot was a major villian in some of the early Robin Hood stories.
Another Shot of St. Mary's This one has me in it.


My Return to Robin Hood Country (July 1999)


Blacke Dickon, a medieval forester This is Richard Rutherford-Moore, our guide as we toured Sherwood.
Sherwood Forest The trees of Robin Hood's ancient home.
A bandit in Sherwood One of the wolfsheads who was stalking us through the forest.
Another bandit in Sherwood This one is leaning against a forked tree.
The Major Oak This 800-year old, hollow oak tree is said to have been Robin's headquarters. It's a bit young for that. But it was used to store birds for the cock fights.
Me inside a Hollow Oak Tree Another of Sherwood's many hollow oaks.
A Blasted Oak Stag-headed or blasted oaks are trees that have been killed by a fungus disease. But popular legend says they've been struck by lightning.
A Stag-Headed Oak Another tree in Sherwood.
Blacke Dickon and me Our world-weary forester casts a watchful and disapproving eye on this wolfshead supporter.
The Wolfsheads and Me Your intrepid web-host shows no fear nor sense of self-preservation as I'm surrounded by deadly outlaws in Sherwood.
Robin Hood's Sherwood Forest This statue is on display at the Sherwood Forest Visitor's Centre.
The Green Man in Southwell Minster This carving, one of many, comes from a minster which was in the heart of medieval Sherwood. The human head with foliage is a very common nature symbols in English churches. Some feel Robin Hood himself is a Green Man.
Some of the Castle Rock in Nottingham Nottingham Castle is built upon sandstone caves and tunnels.
Medieval-style Arrows A display at Nottingham's Tales of Robin Hood. Notice the specialized arrowheads. Some were used for cutting ropes, others for knocking birds out of trees.
Herne the Hunter 1999 A somewhat better shot of the Herne costume used in Robin of Sherwood at the Tales of Robin Hood.
Robin of Sherwood Memorabilia A display at the Tales of Robin Hood including items from the 1980s TV series. Pictured are Robin's magic sword Albion, a mask of the Hounds of Lucifer, a shield, and model sheets for some of the costumes.
Tapestry at the Trip In a room carved into the Castle Rock, the Trip to Jerusalem pub in Nottingham has a modern tapestry depicting Nottingham's history. This is the Robin Hood section.
The ship at the Trip This ship at the Trip to Jerusalem Pub in Nottingham hasn't been cleaned in over 100 years. Apparently there is a curse on it. Anyone who cleans it will die shortly afterwards.
St. Mary's Church, Nottingham In a 15th century ballad Robin is said to have come to this church. It was the centre of the old Saxon part of Nottingham.
The Former Sheriff of Nottingham and Me A shot of me and Chris Gibson, who used to be Nottingham's real-life Sheriff.
Little John's Grave This restored tombstone in Hathersage, Derbyshire overlooks a long grave. It's been called Little John's Grave for hundreds of years.
Me at Little John's Grave Apparently a bone belonging to a very large man was once recovered frrom this grave.
Robin Hood's Grave at Kirklees The early ballads state that Robin Hood died at Kirklees. This enclosure is said to be Robin's burial ground. It is currently on the property of Lady Armytage. David Hepworth took this photo with her permission. You must ask permission to use any photos relating to the Kirklees estate.
Robin Hood's Tombstone This 18th century slab was probably the work of Sir Samuel Armytage. The words resemble the epilogue to Parker's 17th century ballad "A True Tale of Robin Hood". Photo taken by Dave Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage.
Another Kirklees Shot A wider look at the grave slab and the stone in front. Photo by David Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage.
Me at Robin Hood's Grave I was part of a group of scholars allowed to tour Kirklees. Photo by David Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage.
The Gatehouse to Kirklees Priory This is one of the few remaining medieval buildings left on the property. Some also claim that it was the residence of the evil prioress and that inside is where she killed Robin Hood. Photo taken with the permission of Lady Armytage and David Hepworth. )
Me at Kirklees Gatehouse Me at Kirklees Gatehouse. Photo taken with the permission of Lady Armytage and David Hepworth.
"Bury me where this lands..." Tradition says that Robin shot a final arrow and asked to be buried where it landed. This picture in silhouette is me miming that classic scene. Although some say this is the room where Robin died, his grave is a very long walk away. Photo by David Hepworth, courtesy of Lady Armytage.
Grave of a Prioress of Kirklees The grave of Elizabeth de Stainton, the 14th century prioress who some say was the prioress who betrayed Robin Hood. Photo taken with the permission of Lady Armytage and David Hepworth. )
Will Scarlet's Grave In the churchyard of St. Mary in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire. This unmarked grave, near the remains of the medieval church, is where Robin's fallen friend is supposed to be buried.
St. Mary's Church in Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire Robin and Maid Marian were said to have been married in this church.
Another shot of St. Mary's, Edwinstowe The village of Edwinstowe was once in the heart of Sherwood, and is now only a few minutes walk from the Sherwood Forest Visitor's Centre.
The Robin Hood and Maid Marian Statue in Edwinstowe This statue was added in 1998, paying tribute to the happy couple.
Maid Marian and Robin Hood Another shot of the statue in Edwinstowe.
The Maid Marian Restaurant One of many Robin Hood-named pubs and restaurants that I saw on my travels. This sign hangs across from St. Mary's Church, Edwinstowe.
The Wallace Monument Just outside of Stirling, Scotland stands this 19th monument and a late 20th century statue dedicated to William Wallace, Braveheart. Some say this medieval Scottish freedom fighter helped inspire the Robin Hood legends.

My Further Adventures in Robin Hood Country (July 2003)


York Minster This gorgeous cathedral is the seat of the archbishop of York.
York from a medieval wall The view from the medieval wall between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar. On this stretch of the wall (but not pictured) is something called Robin Hood's Tower.
The Sad Shepherd performed by Robin Hood Scholars
Stephen Knight as Maudlin, the Witch of Papplewick. Maudlin has assumed the form of Marian to beguile Sayre Greenfield's Robin. A dramatic reading of Ben Jonson's 17th century unfinished Robin Hood play at the 2003 Robin Hood academic conference.
Robin Hood Scholars at the 2003 academic conference Most of the attendees of the 4th Robin Hood academic conference, held in York.
St. Mary's Abbey, York As I described in my 1993 trip, this abbey was home to one of Robin's earliest and most persistent foes -- the abbot. 
Another picture of St. Mary's Abbey The abbey ruins were next door to where the 2003 Robin Hood conference was held.
The River Went at Wentbridge It is near Wentbridge that the early Robin Hood ballad, A Gest of Robyn Hode, is set. Also, the Potter from the Robin Hood and the Potter ballad was said to come from Wentbridge.
The Robin Hood Plaque at Wentbridge Although many places in the medieval and modern legend are in Yorkshire, this is the only heritage plaque to acknowledge Robin's Yorkshire tradition.
Barnsdale -- On the way to the Sayles Plantation We left Wentbridge and walked to the Sayles Plantation, which was mentioned in the Gest. Here's a photo of the Barnsdale area, the greenwood setting of many Robin Hood ballads.
The Sayles in Barnsdale In medieval Barnsdale, this was the former Sayles Plantation, just a bit southeast of Wentbridge. In the Gest, Robin tells Little John "and walke up to the Saylis".
Another view of the Sayles In the modern legend, Robin's band is based in Sherwood. However, in earlier days, many ballads and references placed the outlaw in Barnsdale.
Robin Hood's Well In the centre of Barnsdale, this well is near "Robin Hood's stone" -- the first recorded placename reference to the legend from 1422. The well covering is from the early 17th century. In the 20th century, the well was moved some yards from the original location. (The original site is now under a modern highway.)
Where Robin Hood and Friar Tuck First Met The river Skell with the ruins of Fountains Abbey in the background. The ballad says that Friar Tuck (or, to be more precise, "the Curtal Friar") belonged to this abbey, and that Robin Hood forced Tuck to carry him across the water.
"The Traditional Spot" at Fountains Abbey It was right at the edge of the abbey ruins where an 1886 pageant held a recreation of the famous ballad. On the other bank of the Skell is one of many Robin Hood's well. Different from the one mentioned above.
Ticket for the 1886 Pageant at Fountains Abbey When Ripon wanted to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of their city charter, Master of the Revels D'Arcy Ferrers went for a Robin Hood motif. Prof. John Marshall reproduced the tickets to accompany his highly entertaining paper. Unfortunately, it didn't get us free admittance at Fountains.
Fountains Abbey This large abbey, near Ripon, was founded in 1132 by 13 Benedictine monks from St. Mary's Abbey, York.
Another picture of Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire Shortly after its founding, the abbey joined the French Cistercian order. The Cistercians wished to return to the original spiritual values of monastic life. Clad in undyed robes, they were often called the "white monks".
Yet another picture of Fountains Abbey The order originally had strict dietary restrictions that I doubt Tuck would have approved of. Also, I have never seen Tuck pictured in white robes.
The West Range of Fountains Abbey The 300-feet West Range is only one part of this truly enormous and awe-inspiring abbey.
A Green Man at Fountains Abbey Heads with foliage -- "the Green Man" -- carvings are a common feature of English churches and cathedrals. The man-in-nature motif seems highly reminscient of the forest outlaw.
The Dolphin Morris Men at  The Olde Trip to Jerusalem I make it a point to visit this old pub every time I visit Nottingham. This time, one of Nottingham's troupes of Morris Dancers. 
St. Mary's Church in Nottingham A 15th century ballad has Robin risking death to pray in this church. So, the least I can do is visit it when I'm in the city.
The interior of St. Mary's Church The church was rebuilt around the time the ballad was written and updated later. So it's not the same building a real Robin Hood would have known. 
City of Caves, Nottingham Built on sandstone, Nottingham has hundreds of man-made caves. This exhibit under a shopping mall celebrates the caves' long history.
Yet Another Picture of the Robin Hood statue No trip to Nottingham would be complete without a picture of the Robin Hood statue near the castle.
The flower statue of Robin Hood on the grounds of Nottingham Castle Now that famous statue has a floral doppleganger just inside the castle gatehouse.
The Gatehouse to Nottingham Castle, 2003 Nearly the only medieval part left of Nottingham Castle. The castle itself was destroyed in the English civil war. The current "castle" is an art museum, a manor first built in the 17th century and reconstructed in the 19th.
Little John and the sheriff's cook at The Tales of Robin Hood in Nottingham The sheriff's cook and Little John make for the greenwood. This scene was inspired by an early ballad and is part of the modern The Tales of Robin Hood tourist attraction.
Merry Man, Much, in an Embarassing Moment The Tales of Robin Hood seeks to recreate the sights and smells of medieval life. It's a laudable goal, but the sight of Much the Miller's Son doing a number two is something I could have done without. So, naturally, I'm sharing that sight with all of you.
Robin Hood Memorabilia Here's an impressive display of Robin Hood items on display at the Tales of Robin Hood. Either I have this stuff or want it.
The Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor John Hartshorne The Sheriff of Nottingham and Lord Deputy Mayor in 2003, Councillor John Hartshorne.
The Major Oak, 2003 Since my last visit in 1999, the wooden supports of this ancient tree were replaced with metal ones -- painted green, naturally.
The Trees of Sherwood One of many pictures of trees in Robin Hood's forest home.
Craggy Old Tree in Sherwood There's a lot of character in the roots and branches.
Even More Trees in Sherwood Pictures really can't do justice to what it's like to be in Sherwood Forest. But I'm sharing my pictures for those who do want to visualize the forest. Sorry to those who find it overkill.
Crazy-top Tree in Sherwood This tree almost seems like a monster with its tentacles. 
The Half-Face Tree in Sherwood Forest To me, the hole looks like an eye, and I can see a nose, moustache and mouth. So many trees have an individual almost Entish personality.


Nottingham and Misc. (2006)

All photos in this section are © copyright Allen W. Wright, 2006. Please ask for permission to reproduce them.

The Galleries of Justice The exterior of Nottingham's top tourist attraction, across from St. Mary's Church. This features a Victorian courtroom, where you can re-enact a trial, and educational tours of the centuries-old prison system.
Prisoner at the Galleries It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
St. Mary's Church in Nottingham Perhaps not the building from Robin Hood's day, but this is the church mentioned in the early ballad, Robin Hood and the Monk.
The Tales of Robin Hood Outside of this Nottingham tourist attraction, but only only visited the gift shop this year.
Gifts at Tales of Robin Hood If you're looking for kitsch with the hooded man, this is the place to be. However, the selection has declined from better days.
The Robin Hood Statue in Nottingham No visit to Nottingham would be complete without taking a picture of the overgrown garden gnome.
Me at the Robin Hood Statue And of course, here's the proof of my journey.
Nottingham Castle Gatehouse This is pretty much the only part of the castle that looks like something from Robin Hood's day. Check out my previous journeys for more castle pictures.
The Trip to Jerusalem Supposedly the oldest pub in England. As with any visit to Nottingham, I had a drink and a bite to eat here.
Richard the Lion Heart statue at the Houses of Parliament And in London, this crusader/butcher and friend to Robin Hood has a statue outside the Houses of Parliament. The symbolism is a bit disturbing these days.


Edwinstowe: Robin Hood's Village (2006)

All photos in this section are © copyright Allen W. Wright, 2006. Please ask for permission to reproduce them.

Robin Hood's Village Sign in Edwinstowe Located just a few minutes from the heart of modern Sherwood, Edwinstowe is proud of its Robin Hood connections.
St. Mary's Church in Edwinstowe Local legend has it that Robin and Marian got married in this church.
Robin and Marian Statue in Edwinstowe This statue, outside of the local library, pays tribute to this literary wedding.
Statue focusing on Maid Marian Same statue, different angle.
Robin's Den One of the many local shops with a Robin-related name.
The Maid Marian Restaurant Just across from the church and on the way to modern Sherwood.
Robin Hood Plaice [sic?] What's more English than Robin Hood? Perhaps fish and chips?
Robin Hood Corner Robin Hood swimwear ... and underwear? I'm not sure I want to know what "Maid Marian Secrets" is. Then again, maybe I would.
The Black Swan in Edwinstowe Nothing particularly Robin Hoodesque about this place's name, but it's a nice place to stay when visiting the Sherwood area.



The Trees of Sherwood (2006)

All photos in this section are © copyright Allen W. Wright, 2006. Please ask for permission to reproduce them.

The Major Oak Sherwood Forest wouldn't be Sherwood without this classic tree.
Me at the Major Oak (2006) Yes, another vanity picture of your humble webmaster.
A tree with a message. From late afternoon on the first day of my visit.
Sherwood in late afternoon Yes, another picture of the famous forest.
Stag-headed tree, bracken and more More from late afternoon, August 1, 2006.
Early evening greenery The green canopy of Sherwood in all its summer splendour.
Trees in shadow The forest as it begins to get dark.
A jagged remains of tree, surrounded in shadow. Sherwood Forest without the sun.
The Major Oak at Dawn The nice thing about saying in Edwinstowe is that you can walk into the forest really early in the morning, and see the classic tree just as the sun starts to rise.
Festival Cart at Dawn Opposite the Major Oak, many of the Festival players had set up camp.
In Sherwood About the Break of Day Early morning light shines through the trees.
Early morning sun shines through Parts of the forest take on a golden glow.
More Sherwood at Dawn Sun begins to shine on some trees.
Yet more early morning Sherwood Contest: write your own caption for this one. The prize is a thank you from me.
Sherwood's Silver Birches in the morning light Trees. Pretty trees. What more is there to say?
The Bracken's as High as an Elephant's Eye Yes, I'm now adapting lyrics from old musicals to describe these photos. You try writing 70 captions in a row.
A burst of sun behind the forest Maybe you had to be there, but Sherwood Forest is very beautiful "about the break of day" to use the words of ALfred Noyes's poem.
Sherwood by the Dawn's Early Light Last tree picture, and I'm now borrowing titles from national anthems.


The 22nd Annual Robin Hood Festival (2006)

All photos in this section are © copyright Allen W. Wright, 2006. Please ask for permission to reproduce them.

Storyteller Alan A'Dale conducts a ghost walk One of the Festivals many storytellers, Alan A'Dale and his partner Festa entertain the crowds. This photo shows a night-time ghost walk through the forest.
Festival Cart at Dawn Opposite the Major Oak, many of the Festival players had set up camp.
Robin Hood and a Forester One of the many people claiming to be Robin Hood during the festival welcomes guests.
Robin Hood and Little John statue In the heart of the Visitor Centre complex, not far from the jugglers and other acts.
Crowds near the Major Oak People mill out with medieval alchemists, ratcatchers, leatherworkers or try their hand at archery.
Dr. John Greene - Alchemist He's demonstrating tricks with potions to the visitng boys and girls.
Grunal the Moneyer Grunal the Moneyer hammers out another coin, but he lets the visitors make their own coins if they wish.
Robin Hood and a Forester One of the many people claiming to be Robin Hood during the festival welcomes guests.
The Ratcatcher and His Wife Delightful medieval types carrying out an old and honourable profession.
Ratcatcher going about his business Another picture of this extraordinary couple.
Simon Cuerden of Perrotts Puppet Players Simon adapted the Robin Hood and Guy of Gisborne ballad for the puppet stage, seen here with the Robin and Marian puppets (although like the ballad, Marian didn't appear in the show). He's a good person to talk to about the history of puppetry prior to Punch and Judy or just about storytelling in general.
Puppet version of Robin and Sir Guy's fight It's like Flynn and Rathbone - only in puppet form.
Puppet Robin Hood Rescues Little John Even as a puppet, Robin can save the day.
Hautbois Hautbois, one of the many musical acts at the festival, perform medieval music in the forest.
Robin Hood from the Legends Medieval Stunt Display Team Robin Hood from the festival's jousting tournament.
Robin Hood from the Legends team Another picture of Robin before the combat began in earnest.
Marian from the Legends Medieval Stunt Team Marian didn't sit back and let Robin do all the jousting.
An Evil Norman at the Joust Sure, it's supposed to be a "field of honour" but a show needs bad guys.
Robin Hood at the Joust In his green helmet, Robin prepares his lance. Yes, it's raining.
Robin shakes in his saddle But hey, he still wins the day.
Robin and the Sheriff Do Battle from the Legends Medieval Stunt Display They didn't spend the whole show on horseback. This is a picture from the final swordfight.
More swordfighting in the rain at the Legends Show The day was won with the clash of steel.


Thank Yous and Acknowledgments

Very big thanks to Alison Carter of Copperlily who helped redesign the look of my website and did the beautiful title graphics for me.

The Robin Hood Project at the University of Rochester has a wonderful collection of Robin Hood stories and art. The Howard Pyle and Louis Rhead pictures come from their page. Thanks, folks! If you love Robin Hood, pay them a visit.

Image of the Bold Robin Hood broadside ballad appears by the kind permission of the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, part of the Toronto Public Library.

Naturally, I don't own the copyrights to the book illustrations, woodcuts or movie/TV depictions of Robin Hood. However, I do on the copyrights to most other photos on this page.

David Hepworth sent me his photos of Kirklees, site of Robin Hood's grave. This are copyright to David, and were taken with the permission of Lady Armytage, current owner of the Kirklees estate. Please ask me before you copy these photos. Thank you very much, David! David and Lady Armytage also graciously allowed me to tour the Kirklees estate in July 1999.  The photos I took were to be posted on the web with the understanding that any further usage would have to be cleared through them.  In other words, although I did take some of these photos, the rights belong to Lady Armytage.  They require special clearance to be used elsewhere.

The Robin of Sherwood photos come from Spirit of Sherwood, the official Robin of Sherwood fan club. Spirit of Sherwood stays alive by selling photos of the whole RoS cast. Interested? Send e-mail to ChrisRHood@aol.com.

The Errol Flynn and Kevin Costner photos are from Warner Bros. films. The Daffy Duck picture is also from Warner. The Patrick Bergin movie is from 20th Century Fox. The Richard Greene series was an ATV/Sapphire Films production. And The Story of Robin Hood photos are from a Disney film. The Merry Family Musical pictures are copyrighted Sheriff of Nottingham Productions. The Jonas Armstrong picture is a publicity photo, copyrighted to the BBC. All are used without permission and are intended for the purpose of criticism and review.

The cast of the 1997 University of Rochester production of Robin Hood and the Friar are: Eric Lichtenstein (Robin Hood), Kevin Carboni (Friar Tuck). And some of the following, even though not all were caught by my camera: Karen Hibbert, Richard Cassara, Cathy Fahey, Michelle deCastro, Ann McNamara, Charli Williams, Jason Lee, Ben Segal, Jeremy Steflik and Marianne Witgert. This version was directed by Cathy Fahey.

The 2001 University of Western Ontario version of Robin Hood and the Friar was produced by the Poculi Ludique Societas (PLS). Visit PLS's official website . Starring in the production were:

Robin Hood:  Todd Campbell
Friar Tuck:  S. Tyson
Little John:  Rob Westgate
Maid Marion:  Ty Andrassi
Merry Man 1 (Will Scarlet?):  Kevin Robinson
Merry Man 2 (Arrow Boy):  Matt Richardson

Crew:
Director:  Daniel Levinson
Costumer/Producer:  Linda Phillips
Dance Consultant:  Clyde Whittam

Director Daniel Levinson runs a company offering classes in stage fighting among other things. Visit www.rapier-wit.com

Did I miss an acknowledgement? Please let me know.

Unless otherwise stated photographs are copyrighted to Allen W. Wright, 2004. If you're planning to use them, please ask me first and let me have proper credit.  It's just a simple courtesy. For example, I've found one of my vacation photos being listed as copyrighted to a business I have no part in. It was a simple enough mistake, but one that need not have happened. So, once again, please just ask.

Also ask the Robin Hood Project for permission to use any pictures I downloaded from their webpage.

Would you like to add a picture to my Robin Hood gallery? If so, please send me e-mail.


logo - head Robin Hood statue