The Real Robin Hood
Because his first and last name were so common, it is difficult for historians to identify just which real life medieval criminal named Robin Hood, or some variation thereof, might have inspired the legend of the fictional outlaw. That explains why so many candidates have been proposed over the years. The earliest mentioned one is a Robert Hod of York. He became an outlaw after his goods, worth 32 shillings, were confiscated by the authorities to settle a debt owed to a local church. Other candidates include the brothers Robert and John Deyville, who fought in the Second Barons’ War (1264 – 1267). Their side lost, so the Deyvilles holed up in the woods as outlaws.
The records show that John Deyville, at least, was eventually pardoned. However, the likeliest candidate seems to be Roger Godberd, another figure from the losing side of the Second Barons’ War who became an outlaw. He operated from Sherwood Forest, defied the Sheriff of Nottingham for years, was captured and taken to Nottingham Castle, but escaped. He was eventually recaptured and held in the Tower of London, until he was pardoned by King Edward I when he returned from the Crusades. That record led many historians to label Godberd as “the prototype” of the fictional Robin Hood.
