Everyone knows the story of Robin Hood, but does anyone actually know how it ended after that? Did Robin Hood, Lady Mardian, and King Richard really live happily ever after while the evil Sheriff of Nottingham and Prince John was humbled and sidelined? Well no. A visit to England's Worcester Catherdal will show why.
If one is interested in England's rich medieval history, then consider going to the Medieval Festival - the largest medieval festival and re-enactment in the United Kingdom. Medieval Europe is often as poorly understood as King John and his brother, King Richard the Lionheart.
The Story of Prince / King John
King John is invariably portrayed as the weak and scheming villain in Robin Hood movies. But in real life, while King John did exist, Robin Hood almost certainly did not (there is only a little amount of evidence that he did). John lived from 24 December 1166 – to 19 October 1216 and was the King of England for 17 years from 1199 to his death in 1216.
While king he lost the Duchy of Normandy and most of the other English lands in France to the king of France. He was forced to sign the Magna Carta by the powerful barons limiting the power of the king (it is considered an early step to the development of the constitution of the United Kingdom today).
- Nickname: He Was Called John Lackland Because As The Youngest Son, He Was Not Expected To Inherit many lands
- Lived: From 24 December 1166 – to 19 October 1216
- King: He Was King of England For 17 Years
- Died: He Died While on Campaign
He was appointed the Lord of Ireland and unsuccessfully attempted a rebellion against his brother King Richard while he was absent on the Third Crusade (so that part of the story is kinda true).
He became king after the death of his brother King Richard. He was excommunicated by the Pope for a while and eventually died of dysentery while on a campaign in eastern England aged 49.
Chroniclers of the day were mostly critical of John's reign.
King John Is Buried In The Worcester Cathedral
Today one can't see the tomb of Robin Hood (partly because he probably didn't exist) but one can see the tomb of King John at Worcester Cathedral. King John's tomb has the oldest Royal effigy in England and makes for a stunning setting in which to hear about his life. Worcester Cathedral is an impressive Anglican cathedral in Worcester, England.
The current cathedral was built between 1084 and 1504 and so presents many styles of English architecture.
- Built: Between 1084 and 1504
Another famous English person interred there is Prince Arthur (not to be confused with Arthur of Camalot - who also likely didn't exist).
- Dedicated: The Worcester Cathedral Is Dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary
Visiting The Worcester Cathedral
For fourteen centuries Worcester Cathedral has been a place of Christain worship and people are welcome to come and attend the services today. One can see the church's schedules and calendar on their website.
The cathedral is open every day and even offers guided tours for those wanting to have a deeper understanding of the cathedral and its entombed King that history has been harsh on.
Opening Hours:
- Weekdays & Saturday: 10am - 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
- Sunday: 1 - 3pm (last entry 2.30pm)
"Turn Up For A Tour" Tour:
- Price: £7 Per Person
- When: 11.00 am and 2.30 pm Monday to Saturday
- Duration: 45-60 Minutes
- Cost: Minimum Charge £35.00 For One Hour or £50 Hour And A Half
- Cost: Minimum Charge £35.00 For One Hour or £50 Hour And A Half