One of the oldest historic sports in England – Archery demands skill, patience and technique all of which is on offer at Arena UK.  Our professional instructor will guide you to find the heart of the target and rumour has it the centre may not be what you expect (the odd boss has been known to find his way there).  Team points will be awarded on this section so listen carefully to your instructor.  You are so close to Sherwood Forest inspiration is sure to come…………………….

History - Robin Hood

Most information comes from early ballads. The earliest surviving ballad is from 1450 - Robin Hood and the Monk.

However, the best known is A Lyttell Geste of Robyn Hode of which there are a number of surviving copies from 1500-1550 but which was probably originally written around 1400.

A Lyttell Geste consists of four tales: Robin and the Knight - the tale of Sir Richard atte Lee; Robin, Little John and the Sheriff - the archery competition with the sheriff being killed; Robin and the King - king goes disguised into the forest, Robin Hood's Death - his betrayal at Kirklee's where he is bled to death. Maid Marion is not part of the original tales and likely comes from French pastourelles where she was associated with a shepherd Robin. Little John, Friar Tuck and the Sheriff are also characters likely borrowed from other tales. The outlaw theme was common, in two 13th century ballads: Fulk FitzWarin has King John as the villain and Marian de la Bruere as a maiden in distress (this may be the other tale mentioned in Piers Plowman - Medieval Archer) and Eustace the Monk.