My dad's name was Robin Hood. In the late 1960's, I remember him trying to cash a check in a store, they asked his name. He had to show his driver's license to prove it. Also, about the same time, he heard they supposedly were offering people with that name a trip to England. For something, maybe a festival/ celebration??? Not sure, too many years ago. Dad passed at the age of 92 in Jan. 2000. He was an incredible man. Miss you pop.
Hello, sorry for your loss. Did your father ever make it to England? His name was very distinguished, no doubt, he was a very nice man, distinguished and cultured. God bless from Ireland, 20th of April 2022.🇮🇪❤️🌹
@@oldermusiclover He was born in 1908, I doubt Robin Hood was as big a thing until the 1939 movie, yes it was a famous story, but the movie made it huge.
I remember being a young lad once and being in the supermarket, I was reading an article from the National Enquirer that they’ve “discovered “ the remains of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest. Little did I know I was so entrenched in reading the article that I walked out of the store without paying for it. I guess there’s a little bit of RH in all of us. Cheers, from 🇺🇸
He used to play a character in a historical comedy series called black adder, if you ever want to liven the mood, playing some episodes, or even just clips that relate to a subject you are teaching courses be good, the first series was a bit hit and miss but the rest are very cutting, cleverly written and brilliantly performed, with a style of comedy that still stands up well today 👍
@@Grayson_Baker was that the one that when he went to pick up an award for “years most cunning” from the institute of Cunningham on rye, fooled everyone into thinking he had not turned up..by entering through the back door and wearing a mask of his own face?
As a child I was so in love with Richard Green's portrayal of Robin Hood. Sigh! Only a few years ago I bought a complete box set of those programmes. Ah, nostalgia. 💗
The tales of Robin Hood filled my early childhood with joy, wonder, and imagination. In my pre-teen years this same love brought me into a Dungeons & Dragons game with some neighborhood kids. Before I knew it I was reading stories like The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, and growing an admiration for Legolas. It's been nearly three decades since I first heard the tale of Robin, and I can say without a doubt, these tales and many like it shaped the person I grew up to become.
I was Robin Hood....for about four years of my life, from 7 until 11. Those were the days, playing with my brother and a Maid Marion in the little forest at the bend in the road. Ahhhhh to have childhood back again.
My grandmother had a lot of classic novels. I read that novel of Robin Hood when I was 8 years old. I have never forgotten that book. It was nothing like the modern movies etc.
Romance, fairy tale, fact or fiction, history or myth? Most intriguing for me is the association with the Olde Worlde Spirit of the Forest - the Green Man. Congratulations on an excellent documentary.
Fact or fiction, it doesn't matter. What counts is this English legend has given so much pleasure to young and old alike for nearly 700 years. From Disney to the earliest ballads from Errol Flynn to Kevin Costner I know my childhood would have been a less exciting without Robin Hood.
It only matters if people start trying to present something as fact that is fiction. Otherwise it's fine. History and science isn't all for nothing (a free for all).
I love English history , I have some of this thing called “ Anglo Saxon “ in my family history. So Robin Hood is kind of an interesting and enigmatic figure in Medieval English literature and history, and believe me I could learn about this kind of stuff all day and not get bored. I just wish there was more information on Robin Hood’s life . I hope people never stop looking for more .
The story of R.H. Instilled the idea of looking out for the little guy and looking out for the less fortunate, in me. It became part of my design. Real or not, a great story that plants seeds of selflessness. Wonderful stuff.
Selflessness? Not really. Robin Hood was working in the interest of himself and those he thought were important. This is not the definition of selflessness, even if it is preferable to the consolidation of wealth and power.
If it's fact or if it's fiction doesn't much matter to me it's tale of man looking out for those who are less fortunate something we should all try do do. I can't imagine my childhood without Robin Hood what a wonderful tale true or not. It's the principle behind the story that really matters. Thank you people for uploading this and all of the wonderful Time line and Absolute history videos what a treat they are to me. Especially in the middle of covid-19
You realise that in this scenerio the people imposing lockdowns and vaccine mandates are the Sheriff and Prince John. Those refusing to wear masks and objey the 'law' are Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
Based on the evidence presented here it appears that the Robin Hood story is based on 3 historical figures whose story were so similar seeing that they lived within a century of each other that they got intertwined over the Centuries to give us the legendary Robin Hood that we have today.
Wakefield born and bred, amazes me how much history my small city has seen, even the maternity hospital I was born in and my high school are on the likely battlefield from the War of the Roses
I am from Wakefield too - I've known about Robin of Wakefield seemingly all my life (my mother was an amateur historian). I'm a bit surprised Tony didn't mention the tiny village of Robinhood just outside Outwood on the way to Leeds.
Wow!!! One of my favorite legends, really brought to life and possibility! Robin seems to be needed in every generation, an Everyman hero. Thanks, Tony. Beautiful work.
"Everyone knew the system was rotten; only an outlaw would do anything about it." There's a message there, kids. (Gee, I wish the background sound didn't overpower the foreground dialog.)
Disconnect external speakers and listen on laptop speakers. This notably improves audio. (I agree. It's a major message... demonstrates how corrupt society and Church were.)
A legend is a moral tale passed down as folk (people) lore (wisdom) folks in which the characters portray the many types of people you will come across in your own life time. This narrative is schematics that have no bearing on the message being passed down.
I recall reading in the foreword to a book about some cavers in the Nottinghamshire area who found a blocked cave containing a small number of skeletons, some barrels and primitive arrows. In chalk on the wall, someone had scrawled 'Michael Tuck. I was the last.". When they returned with a camera, the roof had caved in, blocking access. Probably an urban myth, but I thought it was interesting. x
I remember reading that myself. As I recall (read the book in 1981) It was a list of all the Merry Men that died fighting the good fight. The final inscription was " for I am the last, Friar Tuck" Now this makes sense, as Tuck would've been the only one educated enough to write.
Don’t forget the aliases robin used such as Diccan bend-the-bow. There may be many more robins contributing to the stories than you’ve found already. Some of the stories even implied that Robin, Diccan, Longstride, and Locksley were all aliases- that his real name was never shared to anyone after he was branded an outlaw.
Lovely to see Stephen Knight, who taught me Medieval History at the University of Sydney in the early 1980s. His lectures were so fantastic that students who were not even enrolled in the subject attended, out of interest.
There is a fascinating traditional Korean story about Hong Gildong which has many parallels (outlaws turned heroes of the common folk etc). This makes me even more curious about the way these sorts of stories and parallels developed.
Loved this episode!! I have allways loved the tale of Robing Hood, so did my dad. I have a first run edition of Robin Hood written in old english it is one of my favorite books!!!
Excellent documentary with in-depth research about the myth, the man - or the men. Nicely edited with just the right mixture of wonder and speculation mixed with the fact and the prosaic, and equally enchanting location-work and lighting. Full marks, Tony. Others have suggested that the incidental music was excessive, but I experienced no problems with the balance in this regard.
A absolutely wonderful documentary leaving the viewer with hauntingly valid hopes amidst a somewhat disappointingly possibility of emptiness and yearning.
The first known literary reference to Robin Hood and his men was in 1377, and the Sloane manuscripts in the British Museum have an account of Robin’s life which states that he was born around 1160 in Lockersley (most likely modern day Loxley) in South Yorkshire. Another chronicler has it that he was a Wakefield man and took part in Thomas of Lancaster’s rebellion in 1322.
I personally think he's based on the Silvatici; Englishmen who would ambush and murder Normans in the woods after the Norman conquest. We at least have several sources to confirm the existence of the Silvatici. King William himself instituted the Murdrum Fine with the 'Presentment of Englishry', in response to the actions of the Silvatici.
As a child, I read my Mum's copy of ROBIN HOOD. I really don't remember most of it, but the death-scene made me cry. and I've never forgotten the tale. THANKS FOR POSTING! cheers
I used to visit the visitors centre, the oak etc plenty of times when I lived in Mansfield my born and bred town. I remember the first time I visited was when my grandad tuck me and he told me a story that years ago there used to be a round table inside the tree to show that there was/is room for Robin Hood and his merry men to hide inside. A grandad entertaining his 4 year old granddaughter.
As usual, Sir Robinson does not fail to entertain the viewer in this wonderful episode..!! He's a true 'National Treasure'... and a natural storyteller.
Lovely presentation thanks Tony. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Uncertainty creates fascination! ... historical investigations are a pleasure in their own right! Cheers all!
Brilliant!! My heart leapt when Richard Greene appeared. The music and the sound of that arrow thunking into the tree took me back over 60 years. :-) I remember Tony's version as well :-) :-)
I have DVD'S and VHS tapes of that 50's TV series. You got to love those shows. I think it makes us all wish for simpler times. I know I do. My dad's name really was Robin Hood. Try cashing a check in the 1960's with that name. Actually happened. He had to show his driver's license. Stay safe and GOD BLESS all.
I will say I'm impressed with the detail of this investigation, but feel sincerely disappointed that Robin Hood is not an archery skilled fox with a green hat. I will also say that I'm going to continue enjoying Mel Brooks - Men in Tights. Thank you Timeline!
Greetings from Santa Fe, ARGENTINA 🇦🇷 I enjoy your vídeos very much. ROBIN HOOD is one of my favourite heroes, since I was 4, si en I saw Erroll Flynn 's film. I don't care much ir he has existe or not . The importante thing is the values that ROBIN had , his courage, his honesty, his care for the people, victims of the powerful, ruthless authorities. In this present world where injustice reigns everywhere, hundreds of corageous modern ROBINS are needed.
Doryun Maid Marion was not the name of Robin's girlfriend. It was a girl named- Trudy Glen A young Irish Traveler- around Robin's time-used to sing- Robin Hood- Robin Hood- riding Trudy Glen. The English would sing- Robin Hood Robin Hood riding through the glen
Beautiful Historical detective work. I love your RUclips stuff A LOT more than when I watched your shows on History Channel here in Canada. You have more control over your work it seems. Cable TV was already dying off at the time though. Glad to see you still at it. Was a much bigger fan of your shows over that reality tv nonsense.
Anyone remember the British Robin Hood series that was broadcast on PBS in the US in the mid 1970's? I watched that religiously as a kid, as I did "Poldark" and "I, Claudius" slightly later. Another favourite was "Meeting of Minds", in which historical figures gathered at a table to talk about their lives and discuss various themes that affected each of them in different ways. One episode I remember featured Thomas Jefferson, Karl Marx, Sun Yat-Sen, Gandhi and M.L. King discussing forms of civil disobedience and revolution Such incredible television back then!
Yes, “Meeting of Minds” hosted by Steve Allen was great! I didn’t understand everything, but the actors playing the historical figures were impressive.
One of my most funny encounters was with a very beatiful British girl whose friend introduced her as Maid Marion. It happenned that she had a while before worked at a Robin Hood tourist theme centre and had plaiyed the part of the famouse bandits girlfriend. Truly, she was a star casting for that role.
Almost all legendary figures started around a real person around whom stories were told. Stories about one person in a pre-literate age became tangled with stories about similar people. And so the legends grow and at some stage become written down -- usually with embellishment from the writer.
Truth! My grandmother's maiden name was Robb. She told the story of Robb in Hood and said that this aristocrat was our ancestor. A story that has been told through generations and likely changed a bit. But, I find it all very interesting. Kind of like playing "telephone" when I was a kid. The story changes. Oh, and my maiden name is Yeoman.
Did you not watch the video, has poor old Tony Robinson been wasting his time? Euhemerism, the theory you are putting forward has long been discredited. Myths as this video explains are an amalgam of stories about various characters, some historical, some supernatural, some simply fictional. In future watch more carefully and LEARN
Nah. I think humans like to make up stories. It's just what we do. There doesn't have to be a shred of truth to the tales. There's no "real" Luke Skywalker, or Peter Parker, etc.. just aspirational stories of heroism.
A close parallel that helps to explain the Robin Hood legends is the name "Dutch Schultz," which was apparently used by many criminals in the New York City urban area between sometime in the late nineteenth century and the 1920s and 30s. The individual we now remember as "Dutch Schultz" had a completely unrelated real name; he was a bootlegger and gambler of Jewish origin in the New York and Newark of the 1920s and thirties. But he always insisted on being known as "Dutch Schultz," or 'the Dutchman," although he had no known German or Dutch ancestry; he just borrowed the pseudonym from a long line of New York gangsters who had used it. I don't know whether historians have everidentified the original 19th-century "Dutch Schultz." There is even a sort of "Sheriff of Nottingham" in the Dutch Schultz story; Manhattan district attorney and future New York governor and presidential candidate, Thomas Dewey. "Dutch" was murdered by his associetes when he conspired to assassinate Dewey. His 'colleagues" knew that if he did that the wrath of the whole government establishment would come down on the "mob." And there is even still a mystery connected with "Dutch Schultz;" the location of a treaure that he is said to have buried somewhere in upstate New York, but has still not been found. Like the treasures of the Pirates of the Caribbean. I guess with bandits, facts and fiction are always mingled.
Excellent and highly entertaining documentary. It manages to be both rigorous and enjoyable to watch. Great stuff at the end, when we learn that there actually IS a basis for a late 12th century nobleman-turned-outlaw in the time of Richard the Lionheart. Thumbs up for this one!
Heroes like Robin of the Hood, King Arthur, Merlin, and Sherlock Holmes are in place exactly because they fill a need in us to have people to look up to who embody the virtues we claim as our own, and to have figures who take care of downtrodden good people; no matter what your rank or class (even Maid Marion, a noble woman, was being given many rations of grief until Robin stepped in ). This is proven by the story of the poor monk and the rich monk; one was a truth teller, while the other was a rich, ecclesiastic, liar. And it is also shown in Robin's rise in rank over four centuries from lowly Yorkshire yeoman to Robin of Locksley, a nobleman. As a child, I embraced them all with veneration and adoration, only adding a couple of American heroes to the lot; the Lone Ranger and his equally noble Tonto. Facts and reality have, down through the years, wickedly assailed my collection of heroes, but I am happy to report, they have only become stronger, more vivid, and more virtuous (as we descend into global corruption) with the passage of time. :D
The original idea was to do a film of Reynard the Fox stories from French folklore but they couldn't get the funding, so they turned him into Robin Hood instead.
@@micheinnz Reniard the fox is actually flemish/dutch. Van den vos Reynaerde (English title: Of Reynaert the Fox) is the Middle Dutch version of the story of Reynard, as written by Willem die Madoc maecte. The poem dates from around 1250. It is considered a major work of Middle Dutch literature and has been called "the pinnacle of Gothic literature in the Netherlands. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_den_vos_Reynaerde
The better Disney version from my childhood stars Richard Todd as Robin Hood. If you read, find a cheap, clean copy of the Nelson Classics edition of Henry Gilbert's "Robin Hood and the Men of the Greenwood" with illustrations by HM Brock. This is the basis for the film in my head that has yet to be made.
I am from Leicestershire in the East Midlands. As a child the older adults in the village referred to someone with a reputation for theft or violence as a ," Robin H ood". ( H not pronounced) The local dialect would mean theft from others , and a hood was worn to hide the face of the miscreant.
My late husband Robert looks like Robin Hood; he had dark hair, brown eyes, smaller nose, similar lips, slender build. A chill came over me while I was watching this Documentary. Thank you, Tony, for your brilliant and knowledgeable research. Blessings
Robin Hood was Disney's best animation. The music by Roger Miller, the voice characters, Phil Harris, Sir Hiss, Andy Divine, Clucky, and Phony John. Best ensemble cast for then❤❤❤❤ such creative lines and characters.
Tony Robinson is up there with Michael Wood and David Attenborough as one of the most engaging presenters alive(who would of thought Baldrick would be the smartest in the room) props to you Tony
To delve so far back into history, the 14th, 13th, 12th centuries ... I'm so impressed records go there, and actual people can be found, stories, graves ... Living in the U.S.A., we're overly impressed when a house is a hundred years old. Castles? Wow. To return 600, 700, 800 years in the past? We've got nothing on the Old World. Well done.
Exactly! I'm from California and nothing here is before 1830s except 3 Spanish missions. I want to go to the East Coast and see something from the 1700s haha wouldn't that be rad? ;)
Most probably the title Robin Hood was handed down through the same family or to a worthy man, as was done in The Princess Bride with The Dread Pirate Roberts. Once one Robin became too old or tired of it, the title went to the next man and the old took on another name, or perhaps their original one again. That would explain how the different men were spread over many timelines. For all we know, it may still be handed down to this day, but of course they’d be doing good in more modern ways and also staying close to the British monarchy. It would be a cool theory.
Seemed pretty convincing. I guess it could true, after all. If it is, that's awesome! If it isn't, it is still a great legend which has inspired many people throughout the centuries.
I seem to recall hearing there was a Robert Hode, who was accused of poaching the king's deer, and became a fugitive. Perhaps an addition to the myth, another possibility, or some other explanation. But it's interesting. And of course, this is another stellar example of how to make a documentary.
Use code 'timeline' and enjoy 3 months of History Hit for $3 bit.ly/TimelineWatchMore
And yet, when you click on the linc, it says it $9.99 per month!
The subscription UI does not appear to work!
@@spandex001 that's what I pay for RUclips Prime, to avoid ads and be able to download.
Rodin hoode was a fake story 😡
So this Robin Hood story is exaggerations of truth just Ike the modern day!
My dad's name was Robin Hood. In the late 1960's, I remember him trying to cash a check in a store, they asked his name. He had to show his driver's license to prove it. Also, about the same time, he heard they supposedly were offering people with that name a trip to England. For something, maybe a festival/ celebration??? Not sure, too many years ago. Dad passed at the age of 92 in Jan. 2000. He was an incredible man. Miss you pop.
Did he he ever get to go to England?
some times I wonder about the sanity of parents
Hello, sorry for your loss. Did your father ever make it to England? His name was very distinguished, no doubt, he was a very nice man, distinguished and cultured. God bless from Ireland, 20th of April 2022.🇮🇪❤️🌹
Your dad had a cool name👍
@@oldermusiclover He was born in 1908, I doubt Robin Hood was as big a thing until the 1939 movie, yes it was a famous story, but the movie made it huge.
I remember being a young lad once and being in the supermarket, I was reading an article from the National Enquirer that they’ve “discovered “ the remains of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest. Little did I know I was so entrenched in reading the article that I walked out of the store without paying for it. I guess there’s a little bit of RH in all of us. Cheers, from 🇺🇸
Stealing from Wal-Mart to give to the poor. Lol
Could be.
@@paulpetersen9603 ha ha ha ha very witty, made me giggle lol
Yeah yeah, that's your excuse ha ha ha ha I believe you, thousands wouldn't! Lol just kidding but I would have returned and paid for it.
I've noticed Americans say Robin Hood like it's all one word "Robinhood" always wondered about that,along with lots of other pointless stuff lol
I'm a history teacher, but focus primarily on American History. I am just now discovering Tony Robinson's documentaries. These are wonderful!
He used to play a character in a historical comedy series called black adder, if you ever want to liven the mood, playing some episodes, or even just clips that relate to a subject you are teaching courses be good, the first series was a bit hit and miss but the rest are very cutting, cleverly written and brilliantly performed, with a style of comedy that still stands up well today 👍
He also hosted time team, played the sheriff of Nottingham, was a narrator for a BBC audio production of The Odyssey!
@@Grayson_Baker but essentially he is baldrick 👍
@@geoffsaunderson5766 he is a man so cunning that a cunning fox couldn't keep up!
@@Grayson_Baker was that the one that when he went to pick up an award for “years most cunning” from the institute of Cunningham on rye, fooled everyone into thinking he had not turned up..by entering through the back door and wearing a mask of his own face?
I love the way he pulls out "photos" of the 2 possible Robin Hoods.
As a child I was so in love with Richard Green's portrayal of Robin Hood. Sigh! Only a few years ago I bought a complete box set of those programmes. Ah, nostalgia. 💗
Aka legs diamond
The showed Richard Greene’s Robin Hood here in the states as well. It played after school to my great delight 🏹
Yes. nostalgia.....it's not what it used to be
You are not alone. I is not know they were available.
The tales of Robin Hood filled my early childhood with joy, wonder, and imagination. In my pre-teen years this same love brought me into a Dungeons & Dragons game with some neighborhood kids. Before I knew it I was reading stories like The Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, and growing an admiration for Legolas. It's been nearly three decades since I first heard the tale of Robin, and I can say without a doubt, these tales and many like it shaped the person I grew up to become.
You sound like my kinda nerd, great taste
I was Robin Hood....for about four years of my life, from 7 until 11. Those were the days, playing with my brother and a Maid Marion in the little forest at the bend in the road. Ahhhhh to have childhood back again.
We played Robin Hood and Batman and Robin. But I’d never to back to my childhood. The most dangerous place I have ever been was home.
@@beastshawnee I am sorry to hear that. This world is not a fair place to be....at all.
Uh.....I'll leave this one alone !
Brexit means Brexit
@@beastshawnee That's so sad honey.Hope things r better with u now.
When I grew up, Robin Hood was a fox.
Robin Hood was in once upon a time
Jokes
Same.
O-De-Lally!!
dammm right
My grandmother had a lot of classic novels. I read that novel of Robin Hood when I was 8 years old. I have never forgotten that book. It was nothing like the modern movies etc.
Romance, fairy tale, fact or fiction, history or myth? Most intriguing for me is the association with the Olde Worlde Spirit of the Forest - the Green Man. Congratulations on an excellent documentary.
Hearn
I’m a big fan of Tony Robinson he makes documentaries really interesting.
And his last name (which is mine also, so I'm inclined to believe everything he says!) mean "son of Robin."
"And this, I must tell you, is a Baldrick!" :)
I prefer the long haired feller from Cornwall.
Tommy rob-
Sir Tony is truly a British treasure. I adore him and listening to his take on any story.
Fact or fiction, it doesn't matter. What counts is this English legend has given so much pleasure to young and old alike for nearly 700 years. From Disney to the earliest ballads from Errol Flynn to Kevin Costner I know my childhood would have been a less exciting without Robin Hood.
Exactly.
My childhood would also.
It only matters if people start trying to present something as fact that is fiction. Otherwise it's fine. History and science isn't all for nothing (a free for all).
Totally agree. I still like the idea of it all. lol
This is true.
I love Tony Robinson. He is such a great presenter no matter what the subject is, he always delivers an awesome documentary. Kudos to you Tony!
Is it really Tony Robinson? Possibly Tony Robinhood? Hmmm?
@@panzerabwerkanone It's all part of a very cunning plan...
"This is, I must say, a baldric!"
@@panzerabwerkanone wonder if he is the tuneless outlaw?
100th like
I love English history , I have some of this thing called “ Anglo Saxon “ in my family history. So Robin Hood is kind of an interesting and enigmatic figure in Medieval English literature and history, and believe me I could learn about this kind of stuff all day and not get bored. I just wish there was more information on Robin Hood’s life . I hope people never stop looking for more .
I grew up with Richard Green as Robin Hood TV series. I still watch it at times.
Of all the legends and myths, Robin Hood is the one I really want to be real.
Me too. I wouldn't mind if King Arthur had something to it. I've heard that all myths and legends have at least a grain of truth to them.
There is some truth but the story has been added to and taken from during the centuries
The good people who created Napster/Limewire/Torrent/etc., aren’t they in a way Robin Hoods?
Meh. I'll take Batman any day over Robert Hood
@@johnnyrico707 Nah. I'll take Superman. Oh you mean as a hero....
The story of R.H. Instilled the idea of looking out for the little guy and looking out for the less fortunate, in me. It became part of my design. Real or not, a great story that plants seeds of selflessness. Wonderful stuff.
It's okay to steal as long as you're doing it to someone with more money than you 👍🙄
@@EsotericOccultist There's many ways to look at it.
@Kendo75 Way to keep your eye on the ball.
Have a good day thank you
@EsotericOccultist
Actually it depends on what they do for their money
Selflessness? Not really. Robin Hood was working in the interest of himself and those he thought were important. This is not the definition of selflessness, even if it is preferable to the consolidation of wealth and power.
"This I have to tell you is a Baldrick"...well done Baldrick.
If it's fact or if it's fiction doesn't much matter to me it's tale of man looking out for those who are less fortunate something we should all try do do. I can't imagine my childhood without Robin Hood what a wonderful tale true or not. It's the principle behind the story that really matters. Thank you people for uploading this and all of the wonderful Time line and Absolute history videos what a treat they are to me. Especially in the middle of covid-19
You realise that in this scenerio the people imposing lockdowns and vaccine mandates are the Sheriff and Prince John. Those refusing to wear masks and objey the 'law' are Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
Based on the evidence presented here it appears that the Robin Hood story is based on 3 historical figures whose story were so similar seeing that they lived within a century of each other that they got intertwined over the Centuries to give us the legendary Robin Hood that we have today.
Wakefield born and bred, amazes me how much history my small city has seen, even the maternity hospital I was born in and my high school are on the likely battlefield from the War of the Roses
I am from Wakefield too - I've known about Robin of Wakefield seemingly all my life (my mother was an amateur historian). I'm a bit surprised Tony didn't mention the tiny village of Robinhood just outside Outwood on the way to Leeds.
@@ste76539 not to forget that according to local legend sherwood forest was thought to have ended in outwood
So your from Sandal
@@daveclark2828 Close, Kettlethorpe
23:30 '...is, I have to tell you, a Baldrick'
Nobody but Tony Robinson could have said it that way.
I was going to comment this before scrolling down. Pure gold! :D
😂😂😂
@Melanistic Serval
Maybe if he does Hannibal.
"And so Hannibal told his men, I have a cunning plan"
Had a delightful little giggle all by myself. Thank you, Sir Tony!
Whats the joke?
Wow!!! One of my favorite legends, really brought to life and possibility! Robin seems to be needed in every generation, an Everyman hero. Thanks, Tony. Beautiful work.
"Everyone knew the system was rotten; only an outlaw would do anything about it." There's a message there, kids. (Gee, I wish the background sound didn't overpower the foreground dialog.)
Disconnect external speakers and listen on laptop speakers. This notably improves audio. (I agree. It's a major message... demonstrates how corrupt society and Church were.)
Totally agree. Great video spoiled at the end by overwhelming crappy music. Why bother with narration if you don't want the viewers to hear it?
@@WTH1812 it's added to confuse youtube's copyright AI. It's not on the original broadcast version
@@rubusroo68 Thanks for the clarification.
A legend is a moral tale passed down as folk (people) lore (wisdom) folks in which the characters portray the many types of people you will come across in your own life time. This narrative is schematics that have no bearing on the message being passed down.
Prince of Thieves, Men in Tights, BBC Robin Hood and one movie with jamie foxx "now its a jacket." The story that never gets old.
I recall reading in the foreword to a book about some cavers in the Nottinghamshire area who found a blocked cave containing a small number of skeletons, some barrels and primitive arrows. In chalk on the wall, someone had scrawled 'Michael Tuck. I was the last.". When they returned with a camera, the roof had caved in, blocking access. Probably an urban myth, but I thought it was interesting. x
Wow... Thank you for sharing. It would be worth looking into it.
It IS definitely interesting. Do you remember what you were reading? LL
sounds like the cave of the red haired giants
ones the indians chased into the cave
I remember reading that myself. As I recall (read the book in 1981) It was a list of all the Merry Men that died fighting the good fight. The final inscription was " for I am the last, Friar Tuck" Now this makes sense, as Tuck would've been the only one educated enough to write.
Bear44mc I read this somewhere too.
I love that it may all go back to Robin Goodfellow.....rooted in our deep history, our folk memory.
The old British series with Richard Greene was the first I remember of hearing of Robin Hood. That was 60 years ago.
They're repeating the 1950s serial on Talking Pictures channelm
Mike Rossi I vaguely remember that. Was it on tv on Saturday morning?
I remember vaguely. RichardGreene. Being a child at the time
the reruns are still on the box mike
My favorite TV show of all time. Richard Greene IS Robin Hood!
Don’t forget the aliases robin used such as Diccan bend-the-bow. There may be many more robins contributing to the stories than you’ve found already. Some of the stories even implied that Robin, Diccan, Longstride, and Locksley were all aliases- that his real name was never shared to anyone after he was branded an outlaw.
Lovely to see Stephen Knight, who taught me Medieval History at the University of Sydney in the early 1980s. His lectures were so fantastic that students who were not even enrolled in the subject attended, out of interest.
How far can you squirt?
Wow
It's really amazing how little Tony aged between the scene where he has dialup internet, and the scene where he's driving a car with a 2017 plate
its an 02 plate
There is a fascinating traditional Korean story about Hong Gildong which has many parallels (outlaws turned heroes of the common folk etc). This makes me even more curious about the way these sorts of stories and parallels developed.
Could you tell me the story of Hong Gildong? I have never heard of him before!
@@nickpapadopoulos9978 LOL tell you the story here in the comment section??
@@TheZigzach yes!
@@nickpapadopoulos9978 *Hong Gildong* - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hong_Gildong_jeon
Gil=Ro=Road=Road God...not god ,but god's bloodline...🤭🤭🤭
Robin=Ro(Road)-Bi(Rain)-In(People)...
=Rain(Gods,Came from Heaven)'s road god people...
Rome=Ro(Road) Me( Falcon)...
=Falcon Goddess's Road(God) people...
Ho(Me)=Lake=Lake Goddess...
So(Me)=Marsh Goddess...
Do(Me)=Sea Goddess...
🤭🤭🤭👌👌👌 maybe origin...
Like all heroes he's based on a few men who lived at different times. He's a legend changed to suit the times of the day over many years.
Tights lol
exactly - just like The Man from Snowy River in Australia
BBC Robin Hood T.V. Series was awesome, the actor who played him was the best Robin Hood ever seen.
Last of the Summer Wine character "Billy Hardcastle" claimed to be descended from Robin Hood, and proudly declared that Robin was a Yorkshireman.
Awww Tony on his dial up 🥰🥰
Probably going through a cooper telephone line.
Loved this episode!! I have allways loved the tale of Robing Hood, so did my dad. I have a first run edition of Robin Hood written in old english it is one of my favorite books!!!
wow I would like to see at least some of that here on RUclips
How wonderful, treasure it. Stay safe and GOD BLESS all.
Excellent documentary with in-depth research about the myth, the man - or the men. Nicely edited with just the right mixture of wonder and speculation mixed with the fact and the prosaic, and equally enchanting location-work and lighting. Full marks, Tony. Others have suggested that the incidental music was excessive, but I experienced no problems with the balance in this regard.
I couldn't understand the narrative with the louder blasted music.
A absolutely wonderful documentary leaving the viewer with hauntingly valid hopes amidst a somewhat disappointingly possibility of emptiness and yearning.
The first known literary reference to Robin Hood and his men was in 1377, and the Sloane manuscripts in the British Museum have an account of Robin’s life which states that he was born around 1160 in Lockersley (most likely modern day Loxley) in South Yorkshire. Another chronicler has it that he was a Wakefield man and took part in Thomas of Lancaster’s rebellion in 1322.
I personally think he's based on the Silvatici; Englishmen who would ambush and murder Normans in the woods after the Norman conquest.
We at least have several sources to confirm the existence of the Silvatici. King William himself instituted the Murdrum Fine with the 'Presentment of Englishry', in response to the actions of the Silvatici.
What a fantastic documentary. Tony Robinson really brings the past to life with his wonderful narration.
Damn Tony Robinson, he walks miles in every documentary!! Well done m8!
Yea he can ride a horse to
As a child, I read my Mum's copy of ROBIN HOOD. I really don't remember most of it, but the death-scene made me cry. and I've never forgotten the tale. THANKS FOR POSTING! cheers
u really wanna cry read my poetry
Robin and Marian is the best Robin Hood film I've seen.
I used to visit the visitors centre, the oak etc plenty of times when I lived in Mansfield my born and bred town. I remember the first time I visited was when my grandad tuck me and he told me a story that years ago there used to be a round table inside the tree to show that there was/is room for Robin Hood and his merry men to hide inside. A grandad entertaining his 4 year old granddaughter.
Great video, Tony Robinson always produces great historical videos....thanks.
Windows Media Player, the sound of a dial-up modem? Going for historical accuracy here, are we?
You know dial up is still a thing, right?
Steeleperfect really? Where and why? Not in first world country right?
Talat Anand and that was hilarious you win the internet!
This was filmed years ago you idiot
@@Tom-uv7ry Exactly. Filmed in 2003 and as I recall we still had dial-up systems available then (some places they still use it according to Internet)
As usual, Sir Robinson does not fail to entertain the viewer in this wonderful episode..!! He's a true 'National Treasure'... and a natural storyteller.
Lovely presentation thanks Tony. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Uncertainty creates fascination! ... historical investigations are a pleasure in their own right! Cheers all!
Brilliant!! My heart leapt when Richard Greene appeared. The music and the sound of that arrow thunking into the tree took me back over 60 years. :-) I remember Tony's version as well :-) :-)
Twang-twang-twang! Whish-whish-whish! Thunk-thunk-thunk!
Robin Hood , Robin Hood . Riding through the glen.
I have DVD'S and VHS tapes of that 50's TV series. You got to love those shows. I think it makes us all wish for simpler times. I know I do. My dad's name really was Robin Hood. Try cashing a check in the 1960's with that name. Actually happened. He had to show his driver's license. Stay safe and GOD BLESS all.
@@spmoran4703 loved that song. Used to sing it as a kid. Good times.
The sound of dial up internet, that just catapulted me back to my childhood!
I will say I'm impressed with the detail of this investigation, but feel sincerely disappointed that Robin Hood is not an archery skilled fox with a green hat. I will also say that I'm going to continue enjoying Mel Brooks - Men in Tights. Thank you Timeline!
In a truly fairer world, I hope their would be no need for a Robin Hood at all!
Thanks for a great show, Tony Robin's son. 🙋🏻♀️LL
I remember when my dad told me he was based on a historical figure, from that day forward, Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman ruled
Greetings from Santa Fe, ARGENTINA 🇦🇷
I enjoy your vídeos very much.
ROBIN HOOD is one of my favourite heroes, since I was 4, si en I saw Erroll Flynn 's film.
I don't care much ir he has existe or not . The importante thing is the values that ROBIN had , his courage, his honesty, his care for the people, victims of the powerful, ruthless authorities.
In this present world where injustice reigns everywhere, hundreds of corageous modern ROBINS are needed.
I read a story about Robin Hood that he was Welsh.
And I have always liked stories of Robin Hood!
lot of english heros were welsh
i thought cleopatra poisoned herself
I used to watch Maid Marion and her merry men religiously when I was a kid. I miss it.
Yea it was pretty good.
Doryun
Maid Marion was not the name of Robin's girlfriend.
It was a girl named-
Trudy Glen
A young Irish Traveler- around Robin's time-used to sing-
Robin Hood- Robin Hood- riding Trudy Glen.
The English would sing-
Robin Hood Robin Hood riding through the glen
@@dougchance8891🤣
@@marklammas2465
Cheers
That 'Robins Hoods Well' is 1 mile away from where i live,and Barnsdale is about 4 miles up the road
have you seen the documentary from colin the head? ruclips.net/video/JU6Vc22yIWU/видео.html
WOW!! Lucky PERSON you are... I would love to go there...I'm in Arizona USA
That's awesome, looks like a place I'd like
California here 1 mile from the Pacific, would rather be 1 mile from that tho
Has Robin Hood's Bay got any actual connection with Robin Hood? It's in Yorkshire too, but a long way from Barnsdale.
With the sound of the internet connecting, this documentary feels like a relic itself...Histoy telling history...
Beautiful Historical detective work. I love your RUclips stuff A LOT more than when I watched your shows on History Channel here in Canada. You have more control over your work it seems. Cable TV was already dying off at the time though. Glad to see you still at it. Was a much bigger fan of your shows over that reality tv nonsense.
Anyone remember the British Robin Hood series that was broadcast on PBS in the US in the mid 1970's? I watched that religiously as a kid, as I did "Poldark" and "I, Claudius" slightly later. Another favourite was "Meeting of Minds", in which historical figures gathered at a table to talk about their lives and discuss various themes that affected each of them in different ways. One episode I remember featured Thomas Jefferson, Karl Marx, Sun Yat-Sen, Gandhi and M.L. King discussing forms of civil disobedience and revolution Such incredible television back then!
Yes, “Meeting of Minds” hosted by Steve Allen was great! I didn’t understand everything, but the actors playing the historical figures were impressive.
One of my most funny encounters was with a very beatiful British girl whose friend introduced her as Maid Marion. It happenned that she had a while before worked at a Robin Hood tourist theme centre and had plaiyed the part of the famouse bandits girlfriend. Truly, she was a star casting for that role.
OMG it's Baldrick. Makes this whole documentary much better :D
I recognised his voice before I recognised his face.
Almost all legendary figures started around a real person around whom stories were told. Stories about one person in a pre-literate age became tangled with stories about similar people. And so the legends grow and at some stage become written down -- usually with embellishment from the writer.
Truth! My grandmother's maiden name was Robb. She told the story of Robb in Hood and said that this aristocrat was our ancestor. A story that has been told through generations and likely changed a bit. But, I find it all very interesting. Kind of like playing "telephone" when I was a kid. The story changes. Oh, and my maiden name is Yeoman.
Did you not watch the video, has poor old Tony Robinson been wasting his time?
Euhemerism, the theory you are putting forward has long been discredited. Myths as this video explains are an amalgam of stories about various characters, some historical, some supernatural, some simply fictional. In future watch more carefully and LEARN
Nah. I think humans like to make up stories. It's just what we do. There doesn't have to be a shred of truth to the tales. There's no "real" Luke Skywalker, or Peter Parker, etc.. just aspirational stories of heroism.
@@wadeoliver3596 Those are completely fictional comic book characters not based on any real life Events..
@@mikesnelling9272 Sorry, I’ll skulk back to FB.
I spent many summers camping in Sherwood Forest as a kid ! I was obsessed with Robin Hood
A close parallel that helps to explain the Robin Hood legends is the name "Dutch Schultz," which was apparently used by many criminals in the New York City urban area between sometime in the late nineteenth century and the 1920s and 30s. The individual we now remember as "Dutch Schultz" had a completely unrelated real name; he was a bootlegger and gambler of Jewish origin in the New York and Newark of the 1920s and thirties. But he always insisted on being known as "Dutch Schultz," or 'the Dutchman," although he had no known German or Dutch ancestry; he just borrowed the pseudonym from a long line of New York gangsters who had used it. I don't know whether historians have everidentified the original 19th-century "Dutch Schultz."
There is even a sort of "Sheriff of Nottingham" in the Dutch Schultz story; Manhattan district attorney and future New York governor and presidential candidate, Thomas Dewey. "Dutch" was murdered by his associetes when he conspired to assassinate Dewey. His 'colleagues" knew that if he did that the wrath of the whole government establishment would come down on the "mob."
And there is even still a mystery connected with "Dutch Schultz;" the location of a treaure that he is said to have buried somewhere in upstate New York, but has still not been found. Like the treasures of the Pirates of the Caribbean. I guess with bandits, facts and fiction are always mingled.
Interesting
HOLY SMOKES dial-up modem to get onto Internet; good times.
Thought the same thing. I was using a cable modem by the time I was using Google.
The horror!!!
Lmao i was shocked too!
Remember when the internet came on the discs? They always send INTERNET EXPLORER, AOL, an NETSCAPE NAV.
It's a unicorn!
I don't know which was more nostalgic, hearing a story about Robin Hood, or hearing the landline internet dial up sound.
Rocket Robin Hood was a Saturday morning cartoon back in the 70's that was full of awesomeness.
I really like the description of historians "scurrying off" to find more information.
There’s always some truths to legends and myths and folklore.
Yes, I believe that,and weren't the "nobles" of the age a bit reluctant to share food from the forest with us "commoners"?
Maybe, but a myth by definition is basically an invention, but the person gives away quite a bit about their own beliefs when they create the story.
Richard Green played my favorite Robin. As a kid, I never missed a show.
The Robin Hood legend is embraced in the Nottinghamshire culture alot and I mean alot
Excellent and highly entertaining documentary. It manages to be both rigorous and enjoyable to watch. Great stuff at the end, when we learn that there actually IS a basis for a late 12th century nobleman-turned-outlaw in the time of Richard the Lionheart. Thumbs up for this one!
As a kid growing up in the late 80s and 90s I had a great love for anything medieval...
Love the story about the stories. A tale well told! Definitely deserves a pint at the local pub! 😃
For you Ezra. Of course.
I would buy, however, for me, it's a good cup of tea. Stay safe and GOD BLESS all.
@@dalehood1846 Right! Earl Grey or English Breakfast! 😃
Heroes like Robin of the Hood, King Arthur, Merlin, and Sherlock Holmes are in place exactly because they fill a need in us to have people to look up to who embody the virtues we claim as our own, and to have figures who take care of downtrodden good people; no matter what your rank or class (even Maid Marion, a noble woman, was being given many rations of grief until Robin stepped in ). This is proven by the story of the poor monk and the rich monk; one was a truth teller, while the other was a rich, ecclesiastic, liar. And it is also shown in Robin's rise in rank over four centuries from lowly Yorkshire yeoman to Robin of Locksley, a nobleman. As a child, I embraced them all with veneration and adoration, only adding a couple of American heroes to the lot; the Lone Ranger and his equally noble Tonto. Facts and reality have, down through the years, wickedly assailed my collection of heroes, but I am happy to report, they have only become stronger, more vivid, and more virtuous (as we descend into global corruption) with the passage of time. :D
Saludos desde Santa Fe, ARGENTINA 🇦🇷 I share your opinion. We need many ROBINS in our world, full of injustice.
i love the fact that Disney turned Robin hood into a fox
The original idea was to do a film of Reynard the Fox stories from French folklore but they couldn't get the funding, so they turned him into Robin Hood instead.
Zorro is Spanish for Fox so they got the wrong character a Robin is a bird.
@@micheinnz Reniard the fox is actually flemish/dutch. Van den vos Reynaerde (English title: Of Reynaert the Fox) is the Middle Dutch version of the story of Reynard, as written by Willem die Madoc maecte. The poem dates from around 1250. It is considered a major work of Middle Dutch literature and has been called "the pinnacle of Gothic literature in the Netherlands.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Van_den_vos_Reynaerde
The better Disney version from my childhood stars Richard Todd as Robin Hood. If you read, find a cheap, clean copy of the Nelson Classics edition of Henry Gilbert's "Robin Hood and the Men of the Greenwood" with illustrations by HM Brock. This is the basis for the film in my head that has yet to be made.
A pox on Reynard the fox!
This is the most comprehensive look at Robin Hood that I've seen.
Somehow, it feels right that he didn't live in Sherwood forest.
Thoroughly interesting and absorbing. Well done.
All good myths have a kernel of truth to them. Robin Hood may have been a composite of several historical characters,
This^^^
Yep. Like Jesus.
I started my Book reading with the story of Robin hood in third class.It fascinates me even now.
I am from Leicestershire in the East Midlands. As a child the older adults in the village referred to someone with a reputation for theft or violence as a ," Robin H ood". ( H not pronounced) The local dialect would mean theft from others , and a hood was worn to hide the face of the miscreant.
Tony's the Best ! Thank You Tony for all your endless works !!!
My late husband Robert looks like Robin Hood; he had dark hair, brown eyes, smaller nose, similar lips, slender build. A chill came over me while I was watching this Documentary. Thank you, Tony, for your brilliant and knowledgeable research. Blessings
I like watching Tony's documentarys
Robin Hood was Disney's best animation. The music by Roger Miller, the voice characters, Phil Harris, Sir Hiss, Andy Divine, Clucky, and Phony John. Best ensemble cast for then❤❤❤❤ such creative lines and characters.
The home where Robin supposedly died is in shambles. Unbelievable! It is historical and should be preserved.
Excellent documentary.
Tony Robinson is up there with Michael Wood and David Attenborough as one of the most engaging presenters alive(who would of thought Baldrick would be the smartest in the room) props to you Tony
The Legend of Robin Hood I do not believe was inspired by one man, but by many different men regardless if there was a Robin of Locksley
The idea of Robin Hood is more important than the actual facts, just like King Arthur.
But really interesting anyway!
Brilliant research and perfect narration!
My Mother was from Nottingham. We toured the Castle in Sherwood Forest in about 1966. Only ever heard one story back then...
To delve so far back into history, the 14th, 13th, 12th centuries ... I'm so impressed records go there, and actual people can be found, stories, graves ... Living in the U.S.A., we're overly impressed when a house is a hundred years old. Castles? Wow. To return 600, 700, 800 years in the past? We've got nothing on the Old World. Well done.
Exactly! I'm from California and nothing here is before 1830s except 3 Spanish missions. I want to go to the East Coast and see something from the 1700s haha wouldn't that be rad? ;)
@@dianelove8147 I love that you said rad. Totally! :D
@@sislau haha! ;)
Most probably the title Robin Hood was handed down through the same family or to a worthy man, as was done in The Princess Bride with The Dread Pirate Roberts. Once one Robin became too old or tired of it, the title went to the next man and the old took on another name, or perhaps their original one again. That would explain how the different men were spread over many timelines. For all we know, it may still be handed down to this day, but of course they’d be doing good in more modern ways and also staying close to the British monarchy. It would be a cool theory.
The names Bond, James Bond... (lights ciggie)
The names Hood,, Robin Hood, fires arrow
Seemed pretty convincing. I guess it could true, after all. If it is, that's awesome! If it isn't, it is still a great legend which has inspired many people throughout the centuries.
I seem to recall hearing there was a Robert Hode, who was accused of poaching the king's deer, and became a fugitive. Perhaps an addition to the myth, another possibility, or some other explanation. But it's interesting.
And of course, this is another stellar example of how to make a documentary.
I had such a crush on Richard Greene as a little girl in the 90s. My dad showed me the show. The theme song is awesome..!