Episode 23: Robin Hood: The Truth Behind the Myth

Lythe and listin

Gentilmen,

That be of freebore blode

I shall tell you of a gode

Yeman

His name was Robyn

Hode

These are the opening words to The Gest of Robin Hood, first published by Wynkin de Worde in written form in 1506. They represent the first literary mention of a man who was almost certainly never real, but who has existed in the British consciousness since the middle ages. In this episode, we’re going to explore the medieval origins of Robin Hood, and how he has always reflected the society and time in which his story is being told.

Guest

Madeline is an architectural and cultural historian. She works on medieval Britain, and how medieval beliefs shaped the built world that we have inherited.

Cats present

None