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William of Cloudeslee and his Wife Meet

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race by M. I. Ebbutt

This ballad, part of the Robin Hood tradition, comes from M. I. Ebbutt's Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, first published in 1910. The tale of William of Cloudeslee, Adam Bell, and Clym of the Cleugh dates to the fifteenth century and was as popular in its day as the tales of Robin Hood. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. The story is worth reading because it shows the medieval tension between law and mercy, the power of a royal promise, and the consequences of bold action—and because the archery challenge Cloudeslee proposes at the end is one of the most famous scenes in English balladry.

Band

Blue · Independent readers, confidentTypical starting range: ages 12–14

Length

long · about 1075 words in 5 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race, M. I. Ebbutt

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (0 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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