Adam Bell

He and his companions William of Cloudsley and Clym of the Clough lived in Inglewood Forest near Carlisle and were figures similar to Robin Hood.

Their story is told in Child Ballad 116 entitled Adam Bell, Clym of the Cloughe[1] and Wyllyam of Cloudeslee.

[2] The basis of the tale has historical roots in the criminal activities of the Folville and Coterel gangs.

There are notable parallels between this ballad and that of Robin Hood and the Monk, but whether either legend was the source for the other cannot be established.

In this particular storyline, Bell sacrifices his life so that Robin can rescue the Sheriff of Nottingham's nephew Martin from his murderous uncle.

Woodcut illustration of Adam Bell, likely from the 19th century