Forest Days: A Romance of Old Times

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

49987

Title

Forest Days: A Romance of Old Times

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in medieval England, this romance explores the turbulent reign of Henry III through the eyes of Robin Hood, reimagined as a complex yeoman outlaw caught between loyalty to his kinsman and the demands of justice. Blending historical intrigue with rustic charm, the novel offers a compelling look at the struggles of the era, featuring vivid character studies and dramatic confrontations that highlight themes of honor, betrayal, and redemption.

Summary up to 500 words

G. P. R. James's *Forest Days: A Romance of Old Times* transports readers to a turbulent era in England during the reign of Henry III, weaving together the legendary figure of Robin Hood with a narrative of political strife and moral complexity. The story opens with a nostalgic portrait of rural life in a village near Pontefract, contrasting the cheerful, agrarian existence of the peasantry with the looming shadows of court intrigue and feudal violence. Central to the plot is Richard de Ashby, a kinsman of the Earl of Ashby, whose ambition drives him to conspire against his own uncle. Haunted by remorse after executing a treacherous murder, Richard attempts to frame Hugh de Monthermer for the crime, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation at Lindwell Castle. The narrative builds tension through a series of tense encounters, revealing the deep divisions between the weak, tyrannical King Henry III and the popular party led by Simon de Montfort. At the heart of the conflict stands the young Earl, Alured, who faces a deadly challenge from Hugh de Monthermer in a formal combat. Just as the duel is about to commence, the truth emerges: the accused murderer is revealed to be Richard himself, who has been brought before the court in chains alongside his accomplices. The real victim, the old Earl of Ashby, lies dying in a litter, his death confirmed by a young girl who overheard the conspiracy. In a climactic moment of redemption and justice, Alured forgives his cousin Hugh, while the King, torn between gratitude for Richard's past service and the necessity of justice, banishes the traitor rather than executing him. However, Richard's fate is sealed by an unseen hand. As he prepares to leave the field, a mysterious archer strikes him down with a single arrow. The arrow bears the inscription "Robin Hood," confirming the intervention of the forest hero who operates outside the law to punish the wicked. James uses this ending to challenge the traditional placement of Robin Hood in the reign of Richard I, arguing instead that the outlaw flourished during the reign of Henry III. Through scenes of chivalry, betrayal, and the enduring legend of the forest, the novel offers a rich tapestry of medieval life, exploring the struggle between personal conscience and societal duty.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/49987.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg49987.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-06-30 06:13 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Classics
• Historical Fiction