The Robin Hood Inn, a family run public house A quite drink by the log fire or sitting outside in the beer garden with views over the fields; good food and real ales, The Robin Hood Inn offers something for everyone and all age groups. With a wide selection of beers available and the quality of how they are served, we are CamRA award winners The finest home-cooked food - just the way you like it Our Function rooms A unique and relaxing environment complemented by its varied menu, with its underlying Mediterranean style. Dating from the 15th century, The Robin Hood public house. How to Contact and Find Us


Christmas 2007 arrangements
 

The Robin Hood Inn Past & Present


The Inn stands at a long established crossroads between three old villages, Mawdesley, Croston and Eccleston.

The original building is thought to be 15th century with alterations taking place predominantly in the mid 19th century with the addition of a side extension, built of local stone.

How long the building has been used as a public house is, however, rather unclear. One early pictorial reference is a photograph which hangs in the bar. It shows "Taylors Robin Hood Inn" and is dated circa 1890 although it is certain from early maps of the area that the inn had been entertaining wayfarers long before this.

Further cartographic evidence reveals nearby Robin Hood Well and a medievel stone cross. The cross is believed to have been used as a waymarker and resting place for funeral processions - no doubt taking on refreshments from the inn before resuming their journey to a neighbouring village church. (At the time Mawdesley was churchless!)

Presumably demolished when Mawdesley's churches were built in the mid 19th century, no trace of it has ever been found. The well, on the other hand, is known to have been used in living memory for drinking water and later as a source of water for cattle.

Although no evidence exists that Robin of Sherwood ever visited these parts, his association with them is generally attributed to the Yeoman of the Middle Ages. Being free-holders and cultivators they held the land close to their hearts and regarded Robin Hood as a kindred spirit, often naming their property in his honour. Today the Robin Hood Inn still retains its historical connections and our family, who have been here for over three decades, continue to offer a warm, homely welcome to all our visitors whether they be from Knowles Wood or Sherwood!