Saturday, July 14, 2012

England - Map of Sherwood Forest and the Legend of Robin Hood


Sherwood Forest
Land of the Robin Hood Legend

- - - - - - -

Sherwood Forest is a Royal Forest in Nottinghamshire, England, that is famous through its historical association with the legend of Robin Hood. Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve today encompasses 423 hectares (1,045 acres) surrounding the village of Edwinstowe. The wooded forest of today is a remnant of a much larger royal hunting forest, named as the "shire wood" of Nottinghamshire,  which in fact extended into several neighbouring counties (shires), bordered on the west along the River Erewash and the Forest of East Derbyshire.


Sherwood Forest is home to the famous Major Oak, which, according to local folklore, was Robin Hood's principal hideout. The oak tree is between 800 and 1,000 years old. In February 1998, a local company took cuttings from the Major Oak and began cultivating clones of the famous tree with the intention of sending saplings to be planted in major cities around the world.

The park hosts the annual Robin Hood Festival for a 'week of medieval family fun' each summer. This event recreates a medieval atmosphere and features the major characters from the Robin Hood legend. The week's entertainment includes jousters and strolling players, dressed in medieval attire, in addition to a medieval encampment complete with jesters, musicians, rat-catchers, alchemists and fire eaters.

No comments:

Post a Comment