Features
We go in search of Robin's grave, learn what made the longbow such a fearsome weapon, and meet the whole cast of Merry Men (and one woman). The present-day Sheriff of Nottingham, Jeannie Packer, proves to be quite friendly...
Robin Hood's Grave
The legend of Robin Hood says that, when lying on his deathbed in the gatehouse at Kirklees Priory in Yorkshire, he determined his final resting-place by firing an arrow from the window. Wherever it fell, there he would be buried. Little John, who was said to have been present, promised to carry out Robin’s wishes.
The English Longbow
The English longbow was the weapon of mass destruction of its day. Reaching a peak of technological development in the 13th and 14th centuries, it helped make English armies the most formidable fighting forces in Europe, and won many of the decisive battles of the era, often when English troops were theoretically hopelessly outnumbered. When it began to decline in the 16th century, it wasn’t because it was suddenly seen as ineffective, but because gunpowder was proving itself so obviously the wave of the future.
Rival Claims
Hear the name Robin Hood and the place that comes to mind is Nottingham. But could the legendary figure actually have been a Yorkshireman..?
The Legend on Film and TV
The adventures of Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men have inspired a host of films and television shows…
Interview: Jeannie Packer, Sheriff of Nottingham
Councillor Jeannie Packer has been Sheriff of Nottingham since May 2006 and is one of only a handful of women to be given the ceremonial post. ICONS asked her a few questions about holding such an historic title.
Maid Marian
The band of Merry Men that accompanies Robin Hood in his exploits in Sherwood Forest is pretty much an all-boys’ club – with one exception. No folk tale is quite complete without a love interest, and Robin’s is Maid Marian. Marian stands for all the chaste maidens of the English folk tradition, but there is a more combative side to her as well.
Meet the Characters
The Robin Hood stories are filled with colourful characters - here's a quick round-up.
