Fountaindale is a small moat in the region of Lyndhurst, near Blidworth. Formed by a natural source of spring water, it was established as a Holy place long before the days of Robin Hood or even Christianity. Once the site of a Pagan Shrine, the moat was formed in order to protect its relics. Those relics were moved from the shrine and buried by a loyal priest to safeguard them from invading Vikings. They've never been found. During later Christian times a similar small shrine or chapel here was said to be maintained by Friar Tuck, perhaps attached to nearby Newstead Abbey (then known as Saint Mary's Priory.)
It was Will Scarlet who alerted Robin Hood to Friar Tuck's prowess with both bow and sword. Robin, feeling he must have such an accomplished fighter in his band of outlaws, was so wary of Tuck, he even wore armour before making his trip to Lynhurst, probably setting out from nearby Thieves Wood. The story of their meeting, carrying each other back and forth over the river, became one of the most popular stories associated with the legend.
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