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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Robin Hood
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Legendary outlaw and the hero of *ballads dating back at least to the 14C. He was popular not only for his exciting exploits but for his tendency to redistribute wealth from rich to poor. The image of a band of merry men is a much later gloss on material which is as violent as its medieval times. In the ballads Robin is bled to death by the wicked prioress of Kirklees, whose lover is later fed to the dogs. The sturdy yeoman Little John is an early companion, whereas Friar Tuck and Maid Marian are later additions. No historical origin has been found for Robin himself, but details in the ballads seem to suggest that the stories have their roots in Yorkshire in spite of Robin's chief adversary being the sheriff of Nottingham.
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