The Real Robin Hood The marauding mercenary of English folklore is one of history's best-known tales, and the legend of Robin Hood is the inspiration for more movies, radio and TV programs than any other folk hero. But the image of a hero in tights and a feathered cap is a somewhat recent addition to the myth. In reality, Robin Hood is a composite of several historical figures whose exploits date back to the age of the Crusades. In the film Robin Hood, starring Russell Crowe, director Ridley Scott's production is based on the most solid and recent historical research into the character and promises a startlingly fresh interpretation of Robin Hood for a new generation. This special will distinguish between historical evidence and Hollywood fiction, and seek to create a realistic portrait of the mythical hero. Includes clips from the film as well as interviews with director Scott, principal Robin Hood cast members and renowned historians.

Robin Hood is one of the first super heroes. Stories of the band of Merry Men robbing the rich and giving to the poor are legendary. But now, evidence has surfaced to prove Robin was a real person.

King Arthur
Piecing together clues and fragments of surviving documents dating back 1500 years, we investigate if a real King Arthur ever did exist. Robin Hood Unpicking the folklore to separate fact from fiction, historians are exposing the man behind the myth – Robin Hood.

The English Middle Ages saw the construction of some of the world's greatest buildings, structures that still shape our towns, cities and countryside and mould our national identity. These four lectures give a controversial new view of how medieval England was built starting with the departure of the Romans and ending with the Reformation. Lectures given by Dr Simon Thurley at the Museum of London.