The Year is 1189. Richard the Lionhearted has taken the Throne of England from his father, Henry II (Plantagenet). England is all abuzz with Richard’s commitment to the Holy Crusades. Many of the second sons of nobility have gathered at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, a pub at the foot of Nottingham Castle, before setting off to march against the infidels in the Holy Lands.

With Richard’s attention elsewhere, the rule of law in Nottingham shire has fallen into the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham. He is disliked by many, especially the merchants and peasants…from whom he extracts more and more taxes for his own gains, in the guise of supporting the war efforts.

The son of a lesser noble from southern Yorkshire, Robin of Loxley, has gained a reputation for fighting the injustices of local earls and barons, as well as the Crown. He is now a wanted man with a price on his head. He has made his home within Sherwood Forest, and a band of men and women have joined his renegade troupe. They have been given the title, Robin Hood and His Merry Men, for the seemingly joyful and laughable escapades at spoiling the evil intentions of the Sheriff.

He and his Merry Men are nothing less than folk heroes and have been known to steal from the rich to give to the poor.

This is the season of the annual festival. Winter is waning. Spring is breaking through the cold. Trees are leafing. And the people have come to these grounds to bring in a new year.