Explore the origins of Robinhood and the tradition of noble robbers hiding in English woods. Venture into haunted forests in England with stories of supernatural occurrences and ghostly apparitions. Uncover the mysterious death of Amy Robsart and the enduring legends surrounding her ghost. Discover folklore and legends related to forests worldwide, including the haunted tales of a Romanian forest. Delve into the mysteries of the infamous Ho Ya Batchu Forest in Romania with stories of disappearances and encounters with shadow creatures.
The legends and stories of Robinhood and his band of merry men have been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts since the late 14th century.
England's haunted forests are home to ghostly tales, encounters with spectral apparitions, and sightings of headless horsemen and ghostly animals.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Robinhood
Robinhood, the famous bandit, has been a popular figure in English folklore for centuries. Multiple historical records mention outlaws named Robinhood, suggesting the alias was used by various English criminals throughout history. The legends and stories of Robinhood, his band of merry men, and their home in Sherwood Forest have been passed down through oral tradition and written accounts since the late 14th century.
Haunted Forests of England
England's forests have long been associated with ghostly tales and supernatural encounters. Various haunted forests in England have become the center of legends and sightings, such as Epping Forest in Essex, where the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin is said to haunt, and Daringwood in Kent, known for its highwaymen ghost and other spectral apparitions. These forests are said to be home to haunted roads, disembodied screams, and encounters with headless horsemen and ghostly animals.
The Haunting of Witchwood Forest
Witchwood Forest, located in Lower Middle England, is believed to be the most haunted forest in the country. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, the forest has accumulated numerous dark tales and legends. One such legend tells the story of a family trapped by a snowstorm in the forest, surrounded by the ghosts called snow foresters, but saved by a ghostly white cat guiding them to safety. Witchwood Forest is also associated with other ghostly apparitions, including the ghost of Blickling estates, haunted staircases, phantom carriages, and even the ghost of Amy Robsart, haunting her husband Robert Dudley after her mysterious death.
There are few locations in our world as loaded with mystery and dripping with folklore as the woods. Let’s step onto the path and see what frightening places it might take us.
Produced by Aaron Mahnke, with research and writing by GennaRose Nethercott and music by Chad Lawson.