Anastasia Abboud
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A LIttle Romance
Et nos cedamus amori. And we, too, shall yield to love. – Virgil

Mystical Forests of Legend: Sherwood Forest

4/17/2023

13 Comments

 
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Sherwood Forest_(9556)_Nilfanion
Call me no longer Locksley, my Liege, but know me under the name, which, I fear, fame hath blown too widely not to have reached even your royal ears. I am Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest. 
-- Sir
Walter Scott, Ivanhoe
Happy Medieval Monday! I was having coffee out on our patio this weekend, staring at the trees dotting our view and reflecting on how much I love forests. Then it came to me! How fun would it be to research some of the more famous forests from medieval legend?

And so today it’s not Robin Hood we’re after, but Sherwood Forest. While we might never be entirely sure who Robin Hood was, it’s nice to know that there really was a King John, Nottingham, and Sherwood Forest. It lends credence to the possibility of the Prince of Thieves, don’t you agree?

The earliest mention of a mention that I can find of Sherwood Forest follows – and it’s repeated in several places on the web.

The name ‘Sherwood’ was first recorded in 958 A.D. when it was called ‘Sciryuda’ meaning "the woodland belonging to the shire".

It seems to me the name “Sciryuda” was recorded, not “Sherwood”. I’m not even sure what language that is and evidently don’t know where to look to find out. I’m going to email one of the sources, however. We shall see who knows what! In any case, it’s been a recognized area for at least a few thousand years.
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Sherwood Forest_(9532)_Nilfanion
The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions the forest as covering most of Nottinghamshire. According to various UK government agencies, it comprised around 100,000 acres in medieval times.

Romans cleared some of the forest during their occupation of the area. Later, following William the Conquerer’s invasion in 1066, it was designated a Royal Hunting Forest.

When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, powerful dukes were granted the lands. Called “the dukeries”, most of the estates are still intact and well worth visiting. 
Today, Sherwood Forest is much smaller than it once was. Excluding the vast estates, it’s comprised of around 1,049 acres, filled with pine, birch, and ancient oak trees. The oaks are major players, some of the oldest oaks in Europe -- about a thousand of them. The Major Oak has its own trail.  Estimated to be between 800 to 1,000 years old, this huge and venerable tree has a circumference of around 36 feet, is approximately 52 feet tall, and its canopy spreads around 92 feet.  
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All the usual woodland creatures make their home in Sherwood Forest -- deer, rabbits, hedgehogs, squirrels, bats, birds, and plenty of insects! Cattle can also be found grazing.

It’s surrounded by Nottinghamshire, which includes the city of Nottingham. To my surprise – I don’t know what I was thinking – well, I do know. I was thinking King John and Robin Hood. It’s a bustling, modern metropolis with lots to offer both historically and otherwise. There are manmade caves, a castle, great restaurants and museums. I begin to think it’s a must-see!

I did not realize what a vast undertaking research on Sherwood Forest would turn out to be. Each estate is worthy of several posts of their own. I have to say – I’m writing this after reading back over the full post – finding exact and matching numbers and information has not been easy. It might be that it’s out of of my realm of experience. This is British land – trusts, private estates, counties, reserves, so much history… There's doubtless a great deal of information that a citizen might take for granted that I'm completely unaware of. While I don’t believe there are any wild discrepancies, please feel free to share your knowledge!

Links for more information:

Visit Nottinghamshire
Visit Sherwood 
Historical UK
Geographical

I hope you will have enjoyed this brief foray into the home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Next week, King Arthur’s forest, Brocéliande!

For more medieval fun, be sure to visit medieval ladies Mary Morgan and Barbara Bettis.
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Robin Hood proposing to Maid Marion, St. Mary's Church, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire
13 Comments
Chelsey M. Ortega link
4/17/2023 14:26:54

Ngl, I have never took it upon myself to research if Sherwood forest was a real place. Now I have a new place on my bucket list when I start traveling internationally!

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:20:15

Hi, Chelsey!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you lots of wonderful travel experiences and destinations!

Reply
Jennifer Wilck link
4/17/2023 14:28:41

Now I want to go visit all these forests! Great blog post. Isn't it fun what we find when we research an idea?

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:17:31

Hi, Jennifer!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. :)

Research -- so fun and unexpected! Wowee!

Reply
Barb Bettis
4/17/2023 15:22:46

I loved this post, Anastasia! Nottinghamshire has been the location of several of my medievals and Sherwood Forest a 'character' in one, at least. Great research on this. What an interesting name it was first called! That's new to me--thank you !! And those photos you posted--great! made me want to be there--right now! Have a great week!

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:12:33

Hi, Barb!

I thought of your beautiful books, particularly my favorite The Lady of the Forest! :)

And I'm with you! I would love to visit the area! Maybe we should try and persuade our medieval Lady Mary to lead us on a tour? :)

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Mary Morgan
4/17/2023 15:37:14

I, love, love this post, Anastasia! Psst, I've visited Sherwood Forest years ago. And the church (St. Mary's in the village of Edwinstowe) where it's rumored Robin and Marian were wed. Happy Medieval Monday!

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:15:45

Hi, Mary! You've been there! It must have been a wonderful trip. And now I feel even better about the post. :)

Reply
Kim Janine Ligon link
4/18/2023 10:26:17

I can just imagine Robin and the Merry men have a meal together under that spreading oak. What a magnificent tree! Thanks for doing the research!

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:06:55

Hi, Kim! I love the image you've conjured of Robin Hood and his followers under that spectacular tree!

The research -- phew! I'm glad you stopped by. Thank you for sharing your time.

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Ilona Fridl link
4/18/2023 10:56:44

Loved this post! Being a Robin Hood junkie most of my life, I loved the info and pics. Thank you!

Reply
Anastasia
4/18/2023 12:03:27

Hi, Ilona!

I laughed at your term "Robin Hood junkie". Same here! I'm glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by.

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Lynn link
4/19/2023 02:07:22

Loved this. I never been but should. Its not too far fro. Home.

Reply



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  • Home
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  • A Little Romance
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  • My Books
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