The legends of Robin Hood mention him frequenting places around Castleford and his grave is located at nearby Kirklees Priory. It is thought that over time the stories of Robin Hood and of the evil Sheriff of Nottingham became combined, in the same way in which a modern author might write about Mark Twain teaming up in England with Captain Nemo. 

On 25July 1225 the justices at York recorded in the Michaelmas roll of the Exchequer that one pound, twelve shillings and sixpence was awarded against an outlaw called Robert Hod.

Robin and his fellow outlaws were reputed to meet at Rothwell, that is near to Castleford. An account entitled "Robin and the Potter" stated that Robin met the outlaw John Little, who he jokingly re-named Little John because of his huge size, at Wentbridge on the other side of Castleford. it is believed that the original Friar Tuck was not involved with this original Robin Hood but over years of story telling the two began to appear in the same stories.