Robin Hood

Chapter 2 
The Sheriff of Nottingham Finds Robin Hood
Robin's grandfather died, then his mother and father. After twenty-five 
years, Robin was lord of Gamwell and Locksley, and lived in his father's 
home, Locksley House. 
The village people liked Robin Fitzooth. 
‘He is a good man,’ they said. ‘No man, woman or child is hungry on 
Robin of Locksley's lands.’ 
Not all lords were so kind. The worst person was the greedy Sheriff 
of Nottingham. The sheriff took everything from the villagers, and often 
these poor people were very hungry. Robin listened carefully to the 
stories about the sheriff. He sent food and clothes to the poorest 
families. 
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At about this time, people began to tell stories about a robber. They 
called him Robin Hood. 
‘The sheriff is a hard man,’ they said. ‘He and his rich friends take 
everything from us. But now brave Robin Hood and his men rob rich 
people and give their money to poor villagers!’ 
In those days, the Great North Road went through Sherwood Forest. 
Robin Hood's men often stopped rich men in the forest, and took their 
money. Sometimes Prince John's men also used the road. So Robin 
Hood robbed him too. 
‘The forest is on your land,’ said Prince John to the sheriff. ‘Why 
don't you catch and kill this robber?’ 
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‘It is not so easy,’ answered the sheriff. ‘The village people don't 
want to tell me much. They say only that the robbers live in or near 
Sherwood Forest. But they know more than they say. I have a plan to 
learn more about this man Robin Hood.’ 
‘What is your plan?’ asked the prince. 
‘It is this,’ answered the sheriff. ‘Robin of Locksley lives near 
Sherwood Forest. Tonight there is going to be a great party at Locksley 
House. I know that Fitzooth will invite the village people on his land. So 
I will send one of my men. He can wear village clothes and ask 
questions about “good” Robin Hood, “the people's friend”. When I 
know more about this Robin, I can catch him.’ 
That evening, there were a lot of people at Locksley House. There 
was food and drink for the villagers, and there was dancing and singing. 
Everybody was very happy. And Robin was the happiest person there, 
because he and the lovely Lady Marian Fitzwalter planned to marry the 
next day. 
The sheriff's man turned to a villager next to him. 
‘I often hear the name Robin Hood,’ he said. ‘Who is he ? Does he 
live near here ?’ 
The man laughed. ‘Don't you know, friend? Robin Fitzooth is Robin 
Hood!’

The sheriff's man quickly left Locksley House and went to his lord. 
‘This is better than I hoped,’ said the sheriff. ‘Tomorrow, Robin 
Fitzooth will marry Lady Marian at St Mary's Abbey. But my men will 
stop him and bring him to me. Prince John will kill him and give me 
Fitzooth's money and lands. Lady Marian's family is also rich. She will 
not marry Robin, so perhaps I will marry her. Yes, tomorrow will be a 
great day for me!’ 
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