When did Robin live?

Historians and researchers have a range of views but generally believe that Robin Hood was alive around the thirteenth century. The earliest reference to Robin Hood is in William Langland's poem - "The vision of William concerning Piers Plowman" which was written in 1377. The poem says:

"I do not know my paternoster perfectly as the priest sings it. But I know the rhymes of Robin Hood and Randolph, earl of Chester".

Other historical evidence places Robin anywhere between 1190 and 1307.

Clearly, for the Gest of Robin Hood to be compiled by 1400 the stories must have been in circulation well before that date.