In the days when Robin Hood roamed Sherwood Forest, he made many friends to whom he offered help and support when they most needed it. One such person was Alan-A-Dale. His real name was Alan De Tranmire, the son of Sir Herbraud De Tranmire, but his forest friends bestowed the nickname Alan-A-Dale upon him.
   The two men became involved when an unwanted rival for the affections of Alan's wife-to-be, Alice De Beaufort, came on the scene. This unsavoury character, a wealthy knight, was an acquaintance of the evil oppressor, Isenbart De Belame. The story goes that De Belame threatened to bring fire and ruin to Alice's family home, an impressive manor house that stood on the edge of Sherwood Forest, if she did not marry his friend. Despairing of this threat, Alan-A-Dale asked Robin for help.
   Robin rose to the challenge and, together with his band of Merry Men, lay in wait for De Belame and his friend when they heard rumours that the two intended visiting the De Beaufort home. A skirmish ensued which resulted in the two imposters being 'run out of town' together with their men. Alan married Alice and De Belame was never seen around Sherwood Forest again.