Sean’s startling claim comes from his research into medieval records chronicling the deeds of one William of Kensham, a real-life 13th century freedom fighter also known as Willikin of the Weald.
William and his 1,000 men took to the Kentish forests in the wake of a French invasion in 1216, to harry the occupying forces with their longbows.
Sean came across William while carrying out research for his book Blood cries afar, about this little-known French invasion.
“I learned more about a band of common men dwelling as outlaws in an English forest and using their bows to fight against tyranny and oppression under the charismatic leadership of a longbow-wielding folk hero.
“Not only has this individual never been identified as a possible origin of the Robin Hood stories, he was no mythical figure but a real man of flesh and blood and a genuine English champion.”
Other candidates have been put forward as the inspiration for Robin Hood. Sean (pictured left) has analysed their claims and believes William’s is the strongest.
William would also probably have had links with Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle, which was effectively the headquarters of the English king’s forces.
Tales of Robin Hood stealing from the rich to give to the poor may originate from William’s raids on the French invaders to repossess pillaged English property.
“It is quite easy to envisage that when William attacked the French, their goods were returned to the local community – especially as this would encourage locals to help William,” says Sean.
William was eventually made Warden of the Seven Hundreds of the Weald, as a reward for his services to King John, and settled in Kensham, near Tunbridge Wells.
Over the centuries, tales of his exploits would have been changed in the telling, and elements from other sources added.
“If you want to find the source of the Robin Hood stories, it’s most likely to be William,” says Sean. “We don’t find anyone else who comes remotely close."
Sean’s research, first published in the March issue of History Today magazine, sparked media interest as far afield as the Times of India, the Sydney Herald and New Zealand Radio.
Posted: 19 March 2013
Useful links
- A200 Exploring history: medieval to modern 1400-1900
- Daily Telegraph: 'Robin from Kent, not Sherwood Forest, historian claims'
- History Today
Top: Image of Robin Hood statute, Nottingham.Thinkstock
