Robin Hood's Death

It dates from at the latest the 17th century, and possibly originating earlier, making it one of the oldest existing tales of Robin Hood.

[2] But forth then of a shot windowe Good Robin Hood he could glide; Red Roger, with a grounding glaive, Thrust him through the milke-white side.

But Robin was light and nimble of foote, And thought to abate his pride, Ffor betwixt his head and his shoulders He made a wound full wide.

In the "A" version of the Percy Folio, Robin Hood wishes to go to Churchlees to get himself bled (a common medieval medical practice).

In A Gest of Robyn Hode, she is established to be Red Roger's lover, although given Robin's outlaw activities, she may have also had her own reasons for a grudge with her cousin.

More details on Red Roger and his cause for quarrel are also possibly in the missing section—had Robin or his family taken his property, land, or title?

Little John wishes to avenge him and set fire to Churchlees, but Robin forbids it, because he fears God will blame him if he hurts a widow at his own end.

Robin does ask Little John to bear him to a grave, and for him to be lain with his sword at his head, his arrows at his feet, his yew bow at his side, and a measuring rod.

The prioress, in addition to letting out too much blood, actively locks Robin in the room for an entire day.

Robin, desperate for aid, weakly blows his horn three times to summon Little John in distress as he realizes he has been betrayed.

The B version adds the detail that Robin Hood shoots one final arrow and asks Little John to be buried where it falls.

The name of Roger of Doncaster refers to a town near Barnsdale, where early ballads placed Robin Hood.