Due to the recent Norman Conquest, there still exists antagonism between the Norman settlers and the pre-established Saxons in England in the 12th century. In this context, William Fitzooth, a part Saxon, part Norman who sees himself more as British than any other cultural identity, has issues courting Joanna Gamwell because her father, Sir George, does not approve of his lineage. William and Joanna marry in secret, however, and when she becomes pregnant, she, William, and a band of his men run away to Sherwood Forest, where Joanna gives birth. Sir George pursues them, intent on killing William, but when he sees the baby, he forgives them. He nicknames the child Robin from his name, Robert Fitzooth, and asks that he remain true to England and help those in need for all his days.

Years later, as King Richard, Coeur de Lion, is away on a holy crusade, his brother Prince John takes advantage of his absence to extort money from wealthy individuals. His scheme is to find a fault in the person and declare them an outlaw so that he can seize their assets and wealth. Many nobles and other people of power join him in his endeavors to line their own pockets, including members of the church and authorities like the Sheriff of Nottingham.