The story of Robin Hood's first encounter with Friar Tuck is well-known. The basic tale of Robin Hood and the Friar recounts how the disgraced friar of Fountains Abbey went searching for Robin with a view to joining his merry band. To test whether Robin was a good leader, Tuck engaged him in both physical and verbal sparring, which continued after Robin forced the friar to carry him on his back across a stream. Tuck threw Robin into the water, and they fought on until Robin offered him gold (and a woman!) in exchange for his service.
The text of the play gets quite bawdy (see the original version here).
This one is typical of the numerous Robin Hood plays sponsored by parishes and civic organizations all across Britain throughout the Tudor era. The lengthy festive season for May games often extended from May 1 through Whitsuntide (a holy day celebrated seven weeks after Easter) when towns and villages chose a May King and Queen (or Lord and Lady) to preside over various festivities, including dances around the Maypole, nights sleeping in the greenwood, sporting contests (e.g., wrestling and archery) and processions around town and to neighboring villages, often for the purpose of raising money for poor relief and church maintenance.
By the end of the fifteenth century, many villages and towns renamed their May king (also known as Summer Lord, Lord of Misrule, Abbot of Bon Accord) Robin Hood, and followed suit by calling the May Queen Maid Marian and their attendants, Friar Tuck, Little John, and the rest of the merry band of outlaws bearing pipes, tabors, and drums.
Bold Outlaw gives a good summary of what it's all about.
Moving on to the cache. Fountain Dale, accurately or not, is traditionally offered as the scene of the incident. The cache is hidden in a pleasant area just to the north of the stream; you might like to take in another couple of local caches while in the area. If you continue on to "Tuck's Well" you'll get to see the legendary site; there is an information board on the way there (at N53°06.305,W 1°09.513). But this cache is hidden a short walk away, at the side of The Robin Hood Way; a 105-mile walking trail from Nottingham Castle to Edwinstowe Church. It's an average size box reinforced with tape, and contents include a number of swaps.
You'll not need to step off the trail for more than about ten paces, and like most of the caches in the series I designed this one with a good walk in mind rather than a tricky hide; so you should find it quite easily. Take note of the letter written inside the lid of the container!
Start from the Portland Training College car park (see parking coordinates) and then follow the Way along good paths to the cache area. There are several alternative routes through lovely woodland, which gets better as you walk away from the noisy A60. But the best approach starts at N 53°06.279,W 1°10.700, taking the path south to a left turn at N 53°06.159,W 1°10.636. Follow the good path from here to the cache.
Many thanks to the Forestry Commission for kindly granting permission for the cache.
Notes from the Forestry Commission.
This is a working wood, and you may come across work sites, workers and vehicles during your visit. Please avoid all working areas and obey any safety signs and instructions. You must not enter any areas where access has been restricted.
The wood and the roads and tracks are used for a lot of different activities. You may meet other people during your visit - please be on the look out for them, as they may be unaware that you are there. Please also respect their rights to enjoy their recreation.
Conditions can change very rapidly in forests and woodlands. Please make sure that you are properly prepared for your visit and please take care for your own safety.
In the interests of safety the Forestry Commission strongly recommends that you carry a mobile phone and first aid kit and leave details of the mobile number, route and expected return time with a friend, relative or responsible person.