So what conclusions can be drawn by anyone searching for the truth about Robin Hood from the wealth of conflicting evidence and theory. As can be seen, the legend we know today has changed considerably from the days when Robin may, or may not have carried out his exploits in the leafy greenwood. There remain many candidates for the "real Robin Hood" and even the location of the greenwood remains a point of controversy and debate.

Amongst all the claim and counter-claim is it possible to bring some parts of the debate together to produce a possible scenario for the basis of the Robin Hood legend?

Could it just be that there were two story cycles based around two or more different men, which merged together over time to unite the Nottingham and Yorkshire connections? Could this unification explain how he was supposedly active in both the 13th and 14 centuries? Would this explain the role of Sheriff of Nottingham?

Let's just suppose the Nottinghamshire legend was about Robin Hood who was born in Loxley in 1160 and became a fugitive of the forest to escape arrest. Eventually, he found a refuge in Sherwood Forest, established his outlaw band and conducted his campaign of robbing travellers and poaching the King's deer. His enemy was the Sheriff of Nottingham, Philip Marc and his generosity to the local populace elevated him to the status of "local hero", a status which forged the foundations of the legend we know today.

Little John was his trusted henchman but ther was no Maid Marian or Friar Tuck in his outlaw band. After about 22 years in the greenwood, the Nottinghamshire Robin returned to Yorkshire in old age and poor health where, in 1248, he was bled to death by his cousin, Joanna de Staynton at Kirklees Priory.

Whilst the Nottinghamshire legend was rooted in the 13th century, it is the 14th century that provides the setting for the Yorkshire legend.

Here, the stories are based around "Robin Hood of the Wakefield Rolls" who was born in 1290, married Matilda and joined the fight against the King's army in 1322 in the Battle of Boroughbridge. The defeat of the rebels forced Robin into Barnsdale Forest where his lived as an outlaw with a charge of treason hanging over him. His wife Matilda was the figure who was eventually transformed into the Maid Marian of the legend.

The stories which grew around the exploits of these two men were eventually combined in the 15th. Century with the creation of the "Lytell Geste of Robyn Hode", thereby bringing together the Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire Robin Hoods. As time went on, the stories were embellished and enhanced until the historical basis was lost in the creativity of the ballad makers though the years.

But as anyone who looks deeper into the historical evidence and theory will tell you, there are a host of reasons why this conclusion could not possibly be the case. It's a brave man or woman who claims to have positively identified Robin Hood and in truth, it's most likely that we will simply never know. But that should not stop the search for clues or prevent anyone from producing their own theory, no matter how speculative or novel.

The legend of Robin Hood is many things to many people. That's what keeps it alive to this day and for centuries to come. Fact or fiction, the Robin Hood legend remains a part of people's lives across the world.

Long live Robin and the quest for the truth about our favourite outlaw.