The Coterel Gang, who flourished in the Midlands of England during the late 1320s and early 1330s, was led by James Coterel and supported by his brothers Nicholas and John. This period of political upheaval saw an increase in lawlessness, and the Coterels, members of the lesser gentry, were expected to assist the crown in maintaining order but instead encouraged its collapse. Basing themselves in Derbyshire and north Nottinghamshire and their forests, the Coterels frequently cooperated with other groups, including the notorious Folville brothers. Membership grew as their exploits became widely known, attracting recruits from afar. Despite repeated attempts by the crown to suppress them, the Coterels' criminal activities escalated, including murder, extortion and kidnap, across the Peak District. They were not particularly unpopular with the populace, receiving supplies, support and commissions from secular and ecclesiastical communities. Their most famous offence occurred in 1332 when they kidnapped royal justice Richard Willoughby, demanding and receiving 1,300 marks (c. GBP720k) for his freedom. This sent shockwaves through the country and led to King Edward III launching a royal commission to bring the Coterels to justice, but many gang members were acquitted, and the Coterels themselves went into hiding. The outbreak of the Second War of Scottish Independence provided the king with an opportunity to recruit seasoned men to his army. Ever the opportunists, the Coterels saw military service as their method of being restored to the law. They would go on to fight in some of the most famous battles of the 14th century, both at home and overseas, in order to obtain their pardons. Modern scholars agree that the activities and members of 14th-century groups like the Coterels provided the basis for many of the stories later woven around Robin Hood. The Coterels, working in the shadows, remain something of an enigma, yet their story continues to captivate the public's interest. AUTHOR: Ryan Cudworth is a medieval historian and writer with a particular focus on the 14th century and the outlaws of that period. He is a member of the Royal Historical Society and runs the blog 14thcenturyoutlaws.blog 15 b/w illustrations
