The tales of Robin Hood arose in the 13th century by balladeers. In the height of British feudalism, social and political turbulence rose-- specifically around agrarian disparities and baronial rebellions. The feudal system of medieval Britain left over 90% of the country hungry, poor, and forced to work land they could never own. The tension came to a head in 1381, when the serfs and peasants revolted against unfair tax, labor and political systems. Rebels marched to London and attacked gaols (jails), burned the Savoy Palace, and burned law books and legal buildings. They were put down by Royal guardsmen, sending over 1,500 peasants to the gallows.
In a time of socio-economic upheaval, the ideologies of Robin Hood ("steal from the rich and give to the poor") were inspirational to the poor and oppressed. The balladeers wrote and sang of their aspirations toward change-- even on a small scale, such as Robin Hood and his Merry Men. Robin Hood secretly hunted in the Sherwood Forest, which was illegal, as the monarchs owned about 1/3 of the forests in England and only royalty could hunt on the land. Punishments for hunting on royal land were severe and inhumane.This decree left peasants to find food on "common land" which was often over-hunted and scarce.
Robin Hood was dangerous and radical in the eyes of the Monarchs. Yet to those struggling peasants, the concept of a free outlaw enjoying forbidden hunting and outwitting the forces of law and order was naturally appealing.
The ballads of Robin Hood would continue to be created well into the 17th century, often adding side characters or changing his backstory to one of a fallen nobleman, but the heart of Robin Hood stayed in the forbidden lands of Sherwood Forest giving hope to the masses.
Written by: Maddie Anderson, Key Room Curator
