Sheriff of Nottingham photo album.

 

DATES (bottom to top): 1922, 1938, 1951, 1952, 1960, & 1991.

Sheriff of Nottingham tomb slab

 

"Sheriff of Nottingham" is a Badge of Office, a title bestowed on the role of a combined Tax Collector, Clerk, and Law Enforcer. So Robin Hood would have known more than one Sheriff in his day, although the term "Sheriff of Nottingham" had not yet come into use

 It is thought that one such Sheriff may have been Simon de Headon, whose tomb slab lies in St Peter's Church, Headon. Exact dates regarding Simon de Headon are conflicting, but a Nottingham County Council document states he died in 1259, before being succeeded in the role by his son Gerard. He is depicted on the stone wearing chain mail, with armoured shoulder plates, and his feet resting on a small, long-eared dog.

Above: "The Adventures of Robin Hood" TV series 1955 / 59.

The Sheriff and Angel Row, Nottingham.

 

Contrary to popular belief, most persons who took on the Office of Sheriff of Nottingham probably wouldn't have lived in Nottingham Castle. That would have been home to the Constable and his soldiers. According to legend the Sheriff, in his duties as Tax Collector and Clerk, lived with his wife in "The Red Lodge" which once stood at the end of Angel Row, a narrow street leading down into the Market Square from the opposite side to the Council House. It is interesting to note that, although the Sheriff's wife appears in the old tales about Robin Hood, she is totally absent from the films and television programs.

Robin Hood encountered more than one Sheriff of Nottingham in his day. In fact, according to the stories, he killed more than one.

Above: "Robin Hood" TV series (2006 -2009). "The Adventures of Robin Hood" TV series (1955 - 1959).

Above: "Bandit of Sherwood Forest" (1946). Below: "The Story of Robin Hood and his Merry Men" (1952).