Two great mysteries of English history – who was the real Robin Hood and who killed William II, ‘Rufus’, in the New Forest, in 1100? ROBIN unHOODed presents new evidence in solving these unanswered questions of our history. Perhaps the most in-depth, innovative study of these mysteries for decades, Peter Staveley’s ground breaking book provides totally fresh and startling hypotheses - once the hood is off. The search for Robin’s true identity has led to a plethora of books over many years and the dust-covers of these volumes might lead one to believe that the mystery was indeed solved. However, not one of the various suggestions put forward have ever seemed truly convincing as fitting the life and character of the man depicted in the original ballads…until now.ROBIN UnHOODed uncovers not only a totally fresh candidate for the man behind the myth but also the identity of many of the other well-known protagonists. This detailed study reveals a man whose life and times would have mirrored precisely those depicted in the original ballads. Placing Robin in an era a full century prior to that timeline of Prince John and King Richard I, so loved by Hollywood directors, Robin is implicated in the death of King William II, Rufus. Startling new evidence regarding the plot to kill the king and a CSI style investigation of the death, reveals previously unseen elements to explain those mysterious events in the New Forest in August 1100 that changed our history. The final tragic dénouement of Robin Hood’s death is revisited in refreshing new detail. Actual personages are identified for the treacherous prioress and Roger, her lover, and a totally new location for the whole débâcle is revealed. This new work of historical detection will shatter many of the myths surrounding the legend of Robin Hood and reveals the real man under the hood.

Peter Staveley was born in 1949 in Leamington Spa and educated at Rugby School, then South Bank and Southampton Universities respectively. After a career in sales and marketing within the oil and logistics industries and a long-time dabble in genealogy, he took early retirement and moved to Tuscany to focus upon his greatest passion: history. After 50 years of study, he is the archetypal autodidactic historian, with a particular fondness for the medieval period, World War II and, of course, Robin Hood. Outside of this, he enjoys producing his own extra virgin olive oil, travelling, cat-wrangling and improving upon his English longbow archery skills.

Customer Reviews

5.0

3 reviews

CONSTANTIN DARZENTA

Robin UnHooded is a fascinating accounting of the times surrounding the protagonist and the assassination of King rufus. Peter Staveley has thoroughly researched this time period and has given a factual accounting of the times and also draws very plausible conclusions surrounding Robin Hood and the assassination of Rufus. He debunks many conclusions by other historians. Much history, much detail and very interesting subject matter for those antiquarian and history buffs amongst us. Can't wait for the academics to weigh in on the content. Great job.
Peter Stanbrook

This is a rather extraordinary book. Taking a centuries old tale, much beloved of TV and film, and challenging the myth is a tall order, but Mr Staveley does it extremely well. It's a really well told story, fascinating in itself, but the research behind it is equally impressive. The book might be slightly long for some tastes, but the reader is drawn in and the task becomes light and captivating. I was initially sceptical, but by the end , the assertion, although counter to popular belief, is both ambitious and credible. This is very well worth a read. See what you make of it!
Angie

Robin Unhooded is a wonderful book, well written and very interesting. Peter Staveley has carried out detailed research in to the history behind this famous character. He also debunks the work from other historians. Was Robin Hood a legendary heroic outlaw originally depicted in English folklore or was he real? We all remember Robin Hood and Little John from our childhood days (literature, theatre, and cinema). You will have to read this book to find out. Peter tells a great story of life and times when Robin Hood was (or wasn't) roaming the land and where he lived. A fascinating book that you want to keep on reading. Peter Staveley has created a lot of references as well. A must read for anyone interested in history, especially the time when Robin Hood was roaming the land.