The Coterels
Like their contemporaries and near neighbors, the De Folvilles, the Coterels were another family affair, active in the peak district and Nottinghamshire between 1328-1333. Led by James Coterel and three of his brothers, outlawry was just another part of the Coterel’s business portfolio. Although they were only younger son’s, the Coterel’s had their own land and property, even receiving rents while they were hiding out in Sherwood forest.
The gang’s first recorded crime was in in August 1328. Robert Bernard, the ousted parish priest of Bakewell in Derbyshire, paid the Coterels to beat up and rob his successor. Bernard had been driven out of his parish for embezzling funds and was jealous of his successor. Enforcement became the Coterel’s mainstay- not for the poor and friendless, but the clergy and gentry. These well-placed contacts-which included at least seven members of Parliament, also protected the Coterels, helping them evade arrest-and ensuring anyone who crossed them felt the full force of the law. When Robert del Ille de Wight was accused of burning down the house of William de Bucstones, a Coterel henchman, he was swiftly brought to justice.
The Coterel’s had no problem recruiting members- hardly surprising considering the protection the gang enjoyed. Even Roger de Wennesley, Lord of Mappleton who was sent to arrest the Coterels in 1330 ended up joining them! Members of the clergy also joined the gang. Some of these real life Friar Tucks were amongst two hundred gang members who were arrested in November 1331 when the Sheriff of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire finally moved against them
But like Adam the Leper and the De Folvilles, the Coterels evaded justice. Although Laurence was stabbed during an attempted arrest in 1330, Nicholas Coterel became Queen Philippa’s bailiff for the High Peak and would lead an army of archers into Scotland.
And James Coterel, the gang’s leader? Well, he ended up in law enforcement. In November 1336 as the arresting officer of a Leicestershire parson accused of illegal activity.