the Sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood's day

Although Errol Flynn would have you believe otherwise, there is no doubt the Sheriff of Nottingham and not Guy of Gisborne was Robin Hood's true arch enemy. The Sheriff's word was law across Nottinghamshire, and he was appointed by the King for this job. However, he did not receive a wage from the King. Sheriffs across England had to pay an annual sum to the King in order to hold their position of authority, after which they would earn their own income from collecting taxes and confiscating an outlaw's properties. This system was open to much abuse, especially at a time when the true King of England had absented himself from the land to fight the Crusades.
The legends of Robin Hood tell of his encounters with more than one Sheriff, suggesting this official position changed hands several times whilst Robin roamed Sherwood. Indeed, Robin seems to have been responsible for the killing of at least two Sheriffs in his fight against their unjust oppression of the people of Nottinghamshire. Make no mistake, the Sheriff of Nottingham was a cold hearted scheming opportunist, cunning and clever in equal measure.

Above: Without doubt the most famous Sheriff of Nottingham is Alan Wheatley in the 1950's television series The Adventures of Robin Hood. Cunning, camp, and cool, in equal measure, this Sheriff's wit is the equal of Robin but he is ultimately let down time and again by the inadequacy of his soldiers. (For pictures of Robin Hood's other enemy, Sir Guy of Gisborne, click here).
For more pictures of the Sheriff of Nottingham visit http://robinhoodoutlaw.blogspot.com/