Godberd’s criminal history is often compared with the Robin Hood legend since some minor details align with the famous story.
Godberd lived during the 13th century around the Leicestershire area and traveled throughout England as an outlaw committing crimes with a group of bandits.
[2] Henry III's reign has been associated with stories of outlawry and is seen as a more plausible setting for the ballads of Robin Hood.
Godberd has been thought to be Robin Hood for various reasons, including perceived similarities between the battles they fought in and the ways they committed their crimes.
[6] His father died early in his life and his mother remarried after his death to a man named Anketil de Swaninton.
[6] Roger was reportedly unhappy with this decision and felt his family had wasted his inheritance, leading him to stand up for himself against his parental figures.
He had leased Swannington manor to a Jordan le Fleming for ten years, but within 12 months had forcibly removed him from the property.
[6] Because of Roger's association with the garrison, he received protection for his family that allowed him to go back to his lands until Easter with the condition that he would stand trial in the King's court if anyone were to claim he trespassed.
One peculiar detail is the fact that a group of Nottinghamshire rebels who had been resisting authorities were found to be staying on his property.
A prominent local knight named Richard Foliot helped Godberd and his fellow fugitives and protected them from the Sheriff.
[6] Godberd’s most violent crime was an attack on Stanley Abbey in which he reportedly stole a large amount of money and killed one of the monks who lived there.
Later in 1270, Foliot's Castle Fenwick was besieged by royal troops under the command of Reginald de Grey, who intended to capture Godberd and his companions, but the outlaws managed to flee before the Sheriff's arrival.
He was kept in three different prisons over three years while awaiting his trial, which took place at the Tower of London and at which he was pardoned upon the return of Edward I from the Ninth Crusade.