William de Wendenal

Who is William de Wendenal?

William de Wendenal was a Norman baron probably born during the mid-12th century. He was one of the highest officials left in charge of the Kingdom of England when King Richard the Lionheart was away at the Third Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land from the control of Saladin of the Ayyubid dynasty.

William also served as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire during King Richard's absence from England, from 1191 until 1194. William has been linked to the legends of Robin Hood and some have said him to be the villainous "Sheriff of Nottingham" of legend.