We could not start this list by not mentioning the county's most famous folklore. The story of Robin Hood has put Nottinghamshire on the map for centuries, with people visiting from far and wide to know more about the world's most famous outlaw depicted in English folklore. Robin Hood and his Merry Men are known to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor during reign of King Richard the Lionheart. Hood subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. The first recorded literature reference of Robin Hood was in 1377. According to local folklore, Edwinstowe's Major Oak - in the heart of Sherwood Forest - was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept.We could not start this list by not mentioning the county's most famous folklore. The story of Robin Hood has put Nottinghamshire on the map for centuries, with people visiting from far and wide to know more about the world's most famous outlaw depicted in English folklore. Robin Hood and his Merry Men are known to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor during reign of King Richard the Lionheart. Hood subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. The first recorded literature reference of Robin Hood was in 1377. According to local folklore, Edwinstowe's Major Oak - in the heart of Sherwood Forest - was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept.
We could not start this list by not mentioning the county's most famous folklore. The story of Robin Hood has put Nottinghamshire on the map for centuries, with people visiting from far and wide to know more about the world's most famous outlaw depicted in English folklore. Robin Hood and his Merry Men are known to have stolen from the rich and given to the poor during reign of King Richard the Lionheart. Hood subsequently featured in literature, theatre, and cinema. The first recorded literature reference of Robin Hood was in 1377. According to local folklore, Edwinstowe's Major Oak - in the heart of Sherwood Forest - was Robin Hood's shelter where he and his merry men slept.

Photos: 12 Nottinghamshire village folklores and customs including Robin Hood

By Phoebe Cox
Published 17th Jan 2024, 12:00 BST
Updated 18th Jan 2024, 19:11 BST
I am sure everyone in Nottinghamshire – and quite possibly most people across the country – knows the tale of Robin Hood. But did you know the county has other folklores and long-standing customs for some of its oldest villages?

As stated by the Nottinghamshire Heritage Gateway, ‘folklore’ was originally coined in 1846 by W.J.Thoms – the founder of Notes & Queries – and has come to encompass seasonal customs, beliefs, legends, traditional arts, and similar activities.

From annual traditions, stories of hauntings, to paganism ties and creatures in the forest – our county has ‘seen it’ all.

Thanks to a delve into history blogs, newspaper archives and online forums, here is a closer look at some lesser-known folklores and folk customs in the Nottinghamshire area.

Did your village make the list?

Thanks to a delve into history blogs, newspaper archives and online forums, here is a closer look at some lesser-known folklores and folk customs in the Nottinghamshire area.

Deep within the forest, it was told in the form of a teenage myth that claimed the forest was home to a tall hairy man, whose eyes glow red in the dark. There is a chance that this is a modern version of the tree spirits that were once said to live here. The folklore was recorded in the paranormal database blog. On a slightly separate note - but on the theme of creatures in the forest - The Whitby Krampus Run is currently at Sherwood Forest this January.

5. Sherwood Forest creatures

Deep within the forest, it was told in the form of a teenage myth that claimed the forest was home to a tall hairy man, whose eyes glow red in the dark. There is a chance that this is a modern version of the tree spirits that were once said to live here. The folklore was recorded in the paranormal database blog. On a slightly separate note - but on the theme of creatures in the forest - The Whitby Krampus Run is currently at Sherwood Forest this January. Photo: Neal Rylatt

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It is thought the William Straw walks around his old home, making sure that nothing has changed at the National Trust property. After his death in the 1930s, his son Walter apparently refused to change anything about the home. Witness accounts say that his footsteps have been heard. The Edwardian semi-detached house and its contents have remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. It opened to the public in 1993. Located at 5-7 Blyth Grove, Worksop.

6. Mr Straw's House

It is thought the William Straw walks around his old home, making sure that nothing has changed at the National Trust property. After his death in the 1930s, his son Walter apparently refused to change anything about the home. Witness accounts say that his footsteps have been heard. The Edwardian semi-detached house and its contents have remained largely unchanged since the 1920s. It opened to the public in 1993. Located at 5-7 Blyth Grove, Worksop. Photo: Worksop Guardian

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According to the BBC, most historians agree the fair probably started just after 1284 when the Charter of King Edward I referred to city fairs in Nottingham. The name probably came from the hundreds of geese which were driven from Lincolnshire to be sold in Nottingham. The fair was originally a live-stock trading event but has become a fairground annual attraction in recent decades. It is thought to be Europe's biggest travelling fair with centuries of stories.

7. The history of the goose fair

According to the BBC, most historians agree the fair probably started just after 1284 when the Charter of King Edward I referred to city fairs in Nottingham. The name probably came from the hundreds of geese which were driven from Lincolnshire to be sold in Nottingham. The fair was originally a live-stock trading event but has become a fairground annual attraction in recent decades. It is thought to be Europe's biggest travelling fair with centuries of stories. Photo: National World

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Legend has it that this building is haunted. According to the paranormal blog, in the early 2000s a member of staff reported feeling a tap on the shoulder when no one was near. The public house was investigated by the Ghosts of Nottingham team. Investigators speculated that the building may be haunted by Second World War servicemen who were killed by a bomb while staying next door.

8. Seven Stars public house, Hucknall

Legend has it that this building is haunted. According to the paranormal blog, in the early 2000s a member of staff reported feeling a tap on the shoulder when no one was near. The public house was investigated by the Ghosts of Nottingham team. Investigators speculated that the building may be haunted by Second World War servicemen who were killed by a bomb while staying next door. Photo: Hucknall Dispatch

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