Roger Godberd facts for kids

Roger Godberd was a medieval outlaw who lived in England a long, long time ago, in the 1200s. Some people think he might have been the real person who inspired the famous stories of Robin Hood! While there's no definite proof, his life had some interesting similarities to the legendary hero.

Roger lived during a time when many people were unhappy with the kings, King Henry III and King Edward I. People felt the kings were not managing money well and were taxing them too much. King Henry III's time is often seen as a period when stories about outlaws like Robin Hood might have started. Roger Godberd even served under a powerful baron named Simon de Montfort, who challenged King Henry III.

Who Was Roger Godberd?

Roger Godberd was born in the early 1230s and lived to be about 60 years old, dying in the early 1290s. He had at least two brothers, William and Geoffrey. His father passed away when Roger was young, and his mother later remarried.

Roger was a tenant on land owned by Robert de Ferrers in a place called Swannington. When Roger was younger, his mother and stepfather took control of the family's land. They even cut down 60 oak trees to make money, which made Roger very upset because he felt they were wasting his future inheritance. He tried to stand up for himself, but nothing changed. Roger was likely married, but we don't know his wife's name. He had at least two children, a son named Roger and a daughter named Diva.

Roger's Adventures and Troubles

In 1260, Roger got into trouble over some land. He had rented out his Swannington manor for ten years, but after only a year, he forced the renter, Jordan le Fleming, off the property. Roger was supposed to go to court to explain himself, but he didn't show up. It seems he was ready to break the rules and even gather others to help him if needed.

Some people think Roger leased his land because he joined the soldiers at Nottingham Castle around that time. His new duties might have kept him from managing his property. Because he was connected to the castle, his family received some protection, allowing Roger to return to his land for a while. This might have been related to his dispute over the land or his involvement in the Battle of Lewes in 1264.

Fighting Against the King

Roger Godberd lived through the reigns of King Henry III and King Edward I. While King Edward I brought some peace, people were still unhappy with how things were run. Roger served under Simon de Montfort, a powerful leader who had even captured King Henry III for a time. However, Simon de Montfort was later killed in the Battle of Evesham in 1265, because he had gone against the King.

Soon after, in 1265, Roger Godberd was declared an outlaw for fighting against King Henry III in the Battle of Evesham. Interestingly, a long time later, in the 1400s, someone claimed that Robin Hood also became an outlaw after this very battle. This makes some people wonder if Roger Godberd and Robin Hood shared a connection through this historical event.

Life as an Outlaw

Even though he was declared an outlaw, Roger managed to avoid being captured for a while. He continued to live outside the law. In November 1265, Roger and five other men were called to court and promised safety if they came to discuss peace. Most of the men showed up, but Roger didn't. He was given more time, but it's a mystery why he didn't appear. Finally, in December, Roger and his brother William were pardoned, meaning they were forgiven for their past actions. Roger got his land back, but it took time for his money problems to get better.

Roger then disappeared for a few years after 1266. It's thought he might have been quietly farming to pay off his debts. But here's a curious detail: a group of rebels from Nottinghamshire, who were also resisting authorities, were found staying in his backyard! Some people believe he settled in Sherwood Forest, a place famous from the Robin Hood stories, where he continued to defy the authorities and commit various acts.

The Sheriff of Nottingham, Reginald de Grey, was trying to catch Godberd. Roger was eventually caught near Rufford Abbey and taken to Nottingham Castle, but he managed to escape! A local knight named Richard Foliot helped Roger and his friends, protecting them from the Sheriff. This knight, Richard Foliot, reminds some people of the character Richard at the Lee from the Robin Hood tales.

In the 1270s, Roger Godberd was leading a group of outlaws across many areas, causing a lot of trouble. They were accused of various things, including breaking into places, stealing, and setting fires. Roger was accused of a very serious attack on Stanley Abbey, where a lot of money was stolen and a monk was killed. Roger said he was innocent, arguing that he had been loyal to the King since his pardon in 1266. He denied these claims to avoid severe punishment.

Later in 1270, royal soldiers, led by Reginald de Grey, surrounded Richard Foliot's castle to capture Godberd and his friends. But the outlaws managed to escape before the Sheriff arrived. In 1272, Foliot was accused of helping Godberd and had to give up his castle.

Roger Godberd was eventually captured and sent to jail. He was held in three different prisons over three years while waiting for his trial. His trial took place at the Tower of London, and he was pardoned when King Edward I returned from a long journey. He then went back to his farm and lived there until he died. However, some historical records suggest he might have died in Newgate Prison in 1276.