Robin Hood and the Bishop of Hereford

Synopsis

Robin Hood, knowing the bishop is coming, has his men kill a deer, puts shepherd's clothing on himself and six others, and dresses the deer by the road. The bishop threatens to have them all hanged. Robin summons the rest of his men with his horn, compels the bishop to dine with them, and either robs him or forces him to say mass for them.

Early publication

This ballad was published as a broadside by C. Shepherd, of London, in 1791. It was included in "A Collection of National English Airs", edited by William Chappell and published by Chappell in 1840.

Versions collected from traditional singers

This ballad was collected four times from traditional singers in England in the early twentieth century.