Robin Hood's Hill, Oxton.

 

Robin Hood's Hill, Oxton, is clearly visible from the A6097. It was made in the Bronze Age, centuries before Robin Hood, when it was probably used as a burial mound. During the Georgian era it was christened Robin Hood's Piss Pot, because of a stone which was situated at the peak, probably intended to hold some form of stone cross, but by then only gathered rain drops. However, Victorian sensibilities were easily offended by such a term, and Robin Hood fans of the 19th Century renamed it Robin Hood's Hill.

Although only 18 feet high, the mound is situated in such a way that one can see as far as the horizon on all sides. It would indeed have been a familiar landmark and an ideal meeting place for 12th century outlaws with friends in nearby Papplewick. In recent times the hill on the left became known as Little John's Hill, but that may only be a very local tradition.

Above: "The Story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men", 1952. "The Rogues of Sherwood Forest", 1950. "Beyond Sherwood Forest", 2009.