King Richard bestowed upon Robin Hood and his men pardons for their past actions and offered key members of the group new roles as royal rangers and caretakers of Sherwood Forest.
What King Richard Bestowed Upon Robin and His Men
Upon his return, King Richard offered a significant gesture of reconciliation to Robin Hood and his followers. This included two primary components:
- Pardons for all their men: The King granted official pardons to Robin Hood and his entire band. This meant that their previous activities, which often involved defying royal authority or the sheriff, were forgiven, absolving them of any legal repercussions. This act effectively transformed them from outlaws into free men.
- An offer of royal service: While the pardons meant they could no longer live as outlaws in Sherwood Forest, King Richard recognized their skills and loyalty. He extended an invitation for specific prominent members of Robin's group to join his service in London.
Details of the Royal Offer
The offer of royal service was quite specific, targeting the most capable and trusted individuals within Robin Hood's company. These men were invited to become:
- Royal Rangers: Serving directly under the King, indicating a position of trust and responsibility.
- Caretakers of Sherwood Forest: Despite moving to London, their new roles would still connect them to the forest they knew so well, albeit in an official capacity.
The individuals explicitly named in this royal proposition were:
- Robin Hood himself, signifying his leadership and the King's recognition of his integrity.
- Little John, Robin's most loyal and formidable companion.
- Will Scarlet, known for his fighting prowess and loyalty.
- Allan a Dale, often recognized for his musical talents and cheerful disposition.
This offer presented a new chapter for Robin and his men, transitioning them from a life of living outside the law to serving the crown in an honorable capacity.
| Beneficiary | Primary Gift/Offer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Robin and his men | Pardons | Forgiveness for past offenses and outlaw activities. |
| Robin Hood | Royal Service | Role as a royal ranger and caretaker of Sherwood Forest in London. |
| Little John | Royal Service | Role as a royal ranger and caretaker of Sherwood Forest in London. |
| Will Scarlet | Royal Service | Role as a royal ranger and caretaker of Sherwood Forest in London. |
| Allan a Dale | Royal Service | Role as a royal ranger and caretaker of Sherwood Forest in London. |
