The Archaeology of Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest, located in Nottinghamshire, England, is steeped in history and archaeological significance. Known globally as the legendary home of Robin Hood, this ancient woodland has a rich past that predates its association with the outlaw hero.

Prehistoric and Early History of Sherwood Forest

Sherwood Forest's origins date back to the end of the Last Glacial Period, around 10,000 years ago, as evidenced by pollen sampling cores. Flint tools discovered in the area suggest it was inhabited by prehistoric hunter-gatherers. Jumping forward to the year 958 AD, the forest was officially recorded as "Sciryuda," meaning "woodland belonging to the shire"

Medieval Sherwood: A Royal Hunting Ground

Sherwood Forest became more well-known when it became a royal hunting forest following the Norman Conquest in 1066. Under Forest Law, its deer and trees were protected for royal use. By the 13th century, Sherwood covered approximately 100,000 acres—about a fifth of Nottinghamshire—and featured three royal deer parks. 

You can join an archaeology dig in Sherwood Forest. Click for more information and to book. 

Archaeological Discoveries in Sherwood Forest from the Medieval Period

 The importance of Sherwood Forest has been revealed through archaeological excavations at a site known as King John's Palace. By the late 13th century, the Palace and grounds spanned over seven acres This site highlights Sherwood's importance as a designed medieval hunting landscape.

King John’s Palace (The King’s Houses)

• Archaeological investigations at King John’s Palace, or the King’s Houses, at Kings Clipstone have revealed that this was a major royal palace, not just a hunting lodge, and served as the royal heart of medieval Sherwood Forest. The palace complex was visited by King John and other monarchs, and it was possibly the site where King John held parliament in the early 13th century. King John's Palace served as a central hub for royal activities, hosting proto-parliaments and entertaining foreign dignitaries.

• The palace included extensive residential quarters and chapels with high-status architectural features like window tracery made from Mansfield White stone. Also found onsite are stables, an artificially flooded lake, rabbit warrens and gardens. Excavations have uncovered boundary ditches, banks, and pottery dating to the 13th and 14th centuries.

Deer Park and Parliament Oak

• The adjacent medieval deer park was integral to the palace and the royal hunting tradition, a key aspect of Sherwood Forest’s history under King John. The Parliament Oak, still standing today, marks the site where Edward I held parliament in 1290, emphasizing the area’s political and royal significance.

Robin Hood and Sherwood Forest

Robin Hood's legend is intrinsically tied to Sherwood Forest. The outlaw is said to have lived here with his Merry Men, challenging authority and fighting injustice during the reigns of King John and Richard the Lionheart. While there are no archaeological artifacts directly linked to the legendary figure of Robin Hood, several features are tied to the legend:

• Major Oak: This ancient oak tree in Sherwood Forest is traditionally associated with Robin Hood, reputedly serving as a hideout for him and his band of outlaws. Though this association is legendary rather than archaeological, the Major Oak remains a central symbol of the Robin Hood stories

• Landscape Features: The proximity of King John’s Palace to Edwinstowe (the legendary home of Robin Hood and site of his supposed marriage to Maid Marian) and the Major Oak situates these features within the landscape of the Robin Hood legend, even if not directly evidenced by archaeological finds.

Fun Fact: To date, there have been over 40 films and television shows made about Robin Hood. The very first time Robin Hood appeared on screen was in the 1908 silent film, Robin Hood and His Merry Men

Ancient Odysseys is a first of its kind online resource for travelers to find itineraries that include paleontology and archaeology digs around the world. 

Whether for a day or a week, each trip allows travelers to help scientists and researchers in actual fieldwork to unearth new species and find artifacts and add to our understanding of past life on our planet. Each trip also helps fund the scientists' important work.