Robin of Locksley Costumes and History

Robin Hood is an outlaw of old English folk tales, which may or may not have a basis in actual events. Many accounts of Robin Hood, though not the very earliest, bear a striking similarity to accounts of the life of a Norman noble who was disinherited and became an outlaw and an enemy of the King of England.

In older legends the outlaw's enemy is the local sheriff, but in later versions the sheriff is despotic and gravely abuses his position, appropriating land, levying excessive taxation, and persecuting the poor. In some tales the antagonist is Prince John, based on the image of John of England, who is seen as the unjust opposite character of his pious brother Richard the Lionheart. In the older version of the story, Robin Hood is described as a nobleman, the earl of Locksley, who was unjustly deprived of his lands. In other stories, he has served in the crusades, returning to England to find his lands pillaged by the dastardly sheriff.

In some tales he is the champion of the people, fighting against corrupt officials and the oppressive order that protects them, while in others he is an arrogant and headstrong rebel, who delights in bloodshed, cruelly slaughtering and beheading his victims. This tale changes a bit for more modern audiences.

If you are interested in learning more about life in medieval times go to Historical Weapons Store to read insightful articles, purchase fantasty costumes and find out key festival dates near you.