The Ballad of Robert Hode

 

In the year of 1332

After the Despenser War

Robert Hode of Wakefield

Become a famed outlaw

He’d been an archer for Lancaster

(who was executed by the king)

And had his lands forfeited

For daring to fight for him

 

Now you may know him better

By the name of Robin Hood

Who some say came from Nottingham

But I would say you should

Look at the facts from history

And consider whence he came

For many local scoundrels

Were apportioned with that name

 

The stories say that at the time

There lived one George a Green

A loyal Pinder of Wakefield

A townsman brave and keen

Who exclaimed ‘no one should trespass

Under his watchful eye

Upon the lands of Wakefield

Woe betide those who would try’

 

The Pinders boasts were heard

By Robert and his merry men

Who for a jaunt decided

To test him there and then

So from the darkened forest

They set out on that day

But upon approaching Pinder’s Heath

They were promptly turned away

 

A scuffle soon ensued

And Robert’s band tasted defeat

The outlaw though was so impressed

By the noble Pinder’s feat

His physical prowess in battle

And his defence of those in need.

He offered him a place in his merry band

A worthy prize indeed.

 

So George a Green triumphant

Agreed to let Robert pass

Proclaiming he would join him

After Michaelmas

Now streets around the Merrie City

Honour their heroes true

Whilst the good folk of Nottingham

May have to think anew