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Historians and researchers have a range of views but generally believe that Robin Hood was alive around the thirteenth century and lived around Sherwood Forest. Many people believe as legend states that the Major Oak, with its hollow trunk, was Robin Hood's larder. Some say he used to hide in the trunk to avoid being caught by the Sheriff of Nottingham's men. It is thought that he kept fine foods such as venison and berries there alongside treasures stolen from wealthy travellers. |
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| The tree gets its name from Major Rooke, a Nottinghamshire antiquarian, who first identified and recorded it in a book in the late 18th Century. The tree trunk has a circumference of about 33 feet and can easily accommodate ten people. It is about 90 feet high and the branches have a circumference of about 260 feet. Despite its links with the legend of Robin Hood, it is thought that the tree is between 500 and 600 years old. If this is correct it means that the tree did not start to grow until about 100 years after Robin Hood was believed to have died. |
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| There are many paths in Sherwood Forest, and many strange yet wonderful trees. As you can see from the above pictures. The shapes of the trees and the visitors among them are simply too much for words. |
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| Where is Robin Buried? According to the legend, Robin journeyed to Kirklees Priory where he was eventually killed by his cousin the prioress and Sir Roger of Doncaster. It is at Kirklees Priory that the supposed grave of Robin Hood can still be seen to this day. Sadly, much of Kirklees Priory is now ruined but roughly 600 metres from the gatehouse a medieval gravestone was found bearing a partial inscription "here lies Robard Hude..." "Syr Roger of Donkestere by the pryoresse he lay and there they betrayed good Robyn Hode through theyr false playe Cryst have mercy on his soule That dyed on the rode! For he was a good outlawe And did poor men much good" ~ Taken from the final verses of "A gest of Robyn Hode" |
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