Who is the real-life Maid Marian? The famously beautiful Lady Matilda Fitzgerald who was banished by King John

If you’re from Nottingham, then chances are you’re familiar with the legend of Robin Hood. 

Links to the heroic outlaw can be found across the city, from the famous statue to dozens of different businesses named to honour him. 

Those who are au fait with the Robin Hood story will know the importance of Maid Marian.

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Although Marian doesn’t appear in early versions of the legend, she has grown over the centuries to become an integral part of the story. 

As the legend goes, Hood and Marian were married at St Mary’s Church in Edwinstowe.

Some versions of the story - namely the 1973 Disney film - say that Hood and Marian were childhood sweethearts. 

Other versions state that Marian was a Norman noblewoman and the daughter of Richard at the Lee - who appears in early ballads of Robin Hood. 

Admired by men across the land

But perhaps the most convincing theory suggests that Marian was in fact inspired by a woman from the 11th century called Matilda Fitzwalter. 

Daughter of Robert Fitzwalter, baron of Little Dunmow in Essex and London’s Baynard’s Castle, Lady Matilda was said to be a beautiful and elegant woman who was admired by men across the land. 

One such admirer happened to be King John, who ruled England from 1199 until his death in 1216.

Unfortunately for the King, Lady Matilda was married to Geoffrey de Mandeville, the Earl of Essex, and her father refused to hand her over to another man. 

By all accounts, King John was known for having a bit of a temper and wasn’t best pleased that Lady Matilda had rejected him. 

As an act of revenge, the King set about destroying Lady Matilda and her father. 

Banished by the King

Lady Matilda was eventually banished to the Tower of London by the King.

Despite the King’s attempts to convince Lady Matilda to become his mistress, her resolve could not be broken. 

It’s said that Lady Matilda’s life came to an abrupt end when she ate a poisoned egg, apparently given to her by a disgruntled King John. 

Her body was then taken back to Essex and she was subsequently entombed at St Mary the Virgin Church in Little Dunmow. 

Lady Matilda’s tomb remains in the church to this day and is often visited by Robin Hood enthusiasts.