Where did Robin Hood spend the winter?

Where did Robin Hood spend the winter? Well, probably not in the heart of Sherwood Forest! Not only would it be rather cold and short on food, but the route known as the King’s Great Way would also have been relatively low on rich travellers during those months when snow, sludge and ice made the passage more arduous.

Robin Hood’s so called “Merry Men” were effectively a medieval gang, and popular gangs operate by providing in some small measure for the needs of the community which harbours them, albeit often illegally. Therefore, by stealing from the rich and giving some handouts to the poor, they could have gained warm shelter in the winter, in the local villages of Blidworth, Papplewick, and Byrunsdale / Bernysdale (now known as Old Basford).

The video shows Sherwood Forest covered in a blanket of snow, January 2013, featuring Robin Hood's tree the Major Oak. Many thanks to the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre ground staff of the time, for allowing me access to the statues when the centre was closed