Roger Godberd
Unknown — 1276 Was a servant literally the reallife Robin Hood?
Roger Godberd might have passed into the mists of history unremarked were it not for the fact that he has been named as a prime contender for the inspiration behind the legend of Robin Hood.
Godberd was a servant to Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, until he was made an outlaw in 1265 for fighting against Henry III. Forced from his lands, he made camp in Sherwood Forest where he remained for five years as the head of a band of mercenaries. Sadly, history records no Friar Tuck or Little John among his gang.
Pursued by the sheriff of Nottingham, Godberd proved a tricky man to apprehend. When captured, he always seemed able to escape but his good luck eventually deserted him and the sheriff managed to get Godberd behind bars. Transferred to the Tower of London, he waited for three years to see what his punishment would be.
In fact, Godberd’s good fortune returned once more because Edward I returned to rule England before he could be put on trial. He apparently pardoned the loyal Godberd and the notorious outlaw returned to his farm, where he lived out the rest of his happy days in peace.