A LOCAL historian has published his fourth book to coincide with the release of the new Hollywood blockbuster film about Robin Hood.

Dr Sean McGlynn says the legend of the Nottingham outlaw who reportedly robbed the rich to give to the poor has Wiltshire connections.

His new book Robin Hood: A True Legend has already received international media attention.

The university lecturer and professional historian, who lives at Monkton Farleigh, said: “My book investigates real-life contenders for the original Robin Hood and the inspiration behind the legend.

“I have come up with a genuine historical figure as the most plausible candidate, completely overlooked by all previous historians.”

“He is an historically-documented archer called William of Kensham, who fits the medieval timing, context and legend perfectly, and a freedom-fighting, bow-wielding hero who led his band of archers in the forest against oppressors.

“The Wiltshire connection is a man called Roger Godberd who attacked Stanley Abbey between Chippenham and Calne in 1270 and was later imprisoned at Nottingham.”

Dr McGlynn, 53, is the author of three critically-acclaimed books on history and a regular contributor to The Spectator, History Today and BBC History. He lectures on Robin Hood and medieval outlaws at university and has spoken regularly at local history events.

He arranged the programmes for the very successful Magna Carta and Norman Conquest public conferences in Trowbridge in 2015 and 2016.

Dr McGlynn,also presented an hour-long documentary on Magna Carta in Wiltshire for BBC Radio Wiltshire.

His initial research on Robin Hood, of which his new book is the result, received global media attention, including from Sky News. Dr McGlynn has just finished filming for a TV history documentary.

Dr McGlynn’s book on Robin Hood is available from Amazon at £4.99 for paperback and £1.99 for an ebook.