According to tradition Robinhood used to meet with his men under a giant oak. At that time Sherwood Forest covered most of Nottinghamshire and large oaks were considered as the dwelling place of woodland spirits. Under his tree Robin was safe, but who was Robinhood ? At least eight different individuals were given the surname or nickname of Robinhood before 1300, all of them outlaws. The original Robin lived during the reign of Richard the Lionheart and could very well have been Robert Hode. Robert Hode was the archbishop of York who, in 1225, placed himself outside the law (outlaw) and took to the woods for protection. Apparently he was never caught although he was actively looked for by Eustace of Lawdham, his personal enemy, who became Sheriff of Nottingham in 1232.