The Legend of Robin Hood
The Legend of Robin Hood stamp issue, released on April 13, celebrates the story of England’s greatest medieval folk hero with a dynamic and colourful set of illustrations specially commissioned by Royal Mail.
Robin Hood is a legend rather than a historical figure who can be proved to have existed. His legend may be based on a real person, more than one person, or none at all.
Most versions locate him in the late 12th century, during the reign of King Richard I, but the earliest surviving printed compendium of tales, a ballad called The Lytell Geste of Robyn Hode, dates from the late 15th century.
The story has been embellished many times since, with the context tweaked and characters developed in ways that are not always consistent with each other.
In the most common scenarios, Robin is a heroic outlaw who takes refuge in Sherwood Forest at a time when the King is absent on crusade, leading a band of ‘merry men’ who rob the rich and give to the poor.
The violence and brutality of some versions of his story have been toned down over time to leave a more family-friendly figure, a good-hearted hero fighting for the powerless against corrupt authority.
The illustrations are by Jon McCoy, and the stamps were printed in litho by Cartor Security Printers. They are available in two se tenant strips of five.
1st class ROBIN HOOD IS DECLARED AN OUTLAW
Robin is made an outlaw by the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham. Some versions of the tale say he was an earl whose lands were confiscated, others that he was a humble yeoman who protected poachers in the royal forest.
1st class ROBIN HOOD MEETS LITTLE JOHN
Robin encounters the strong and powerful Little John when he tries to cross a river and John bests him in a quarterstaff fight. Robin invites him to join the outlaws.
1st class FRIAR TUCK CARRIES ROBIN HOOD
Robin meets the hermit Friar Tuck when the latter carries him across river. They almost come to blows but Robin invites Tuck to join the outlaws.
1st class ROBIN HOOD ROBS THE RICH
Robin and his men steal from those who hoard wealth, including the greedy monks of St Mary’s Abbey, and redistribute their riches to those in greater need.
1st class ROBIN HOOD WINS THE ARCHERY CONTEST
Robin embarrasses the Sheriff by entering his archery competition in disguise and winning the prize, a golden arrow.
1st class ROBIN HOOD CAPTURES THE SHERIFF
Robin and his men lure the Sheriff into the forest, capture him, rob him and mock him.
1st class ROBIN HOOD HELPS MAID MARIAN ESCAPE
Marian is a nobleman's daughter whom Robin helps escape when her father attempts to force her into life as a nun, or an arranged marriage.
1st class ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARIAN MARRY
After she joins his band of outlaws, Marian and Robin fall in love, and they are married by Friar Tuck.
1st class KING RICHARD REMOVES HIS DISGUISE
On his return to England, the King contrives to meet the outlaws while disguised as an abbot. When he removes his disguise, they pledge their loyalty and he grants them a pardon.
1st class ROBIN HOOD SHOOTS HIS LAST ARROW
Bled to death or poisoned by his treacherous cousin, the Abbess of Kirklees, Robin fires the arrow that will mark the site of his grave.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS
Written by historian Dr Lesley Coote, the presentation pack explores the history behind the legend.
A first day cover and stamp cards are available as usual.
PRICES
Set of 10 stamps £11.00
First day cover £13.85
Presentation pack £11.90
Stamp cards £4.50
VERDICT
COMMEMORATIVE WORTH 3/5
This is one of England’s most popular legends, although the designs muddle various inconsistent versions of it
QUALITY OF DESIGN 4/5
The specially commissioned illustrations are lively and evocative, if a little chichéd
WOW FACTOR 3/5
However loosely based on historical fact, folklore surely grabs more attention than fiction
