Bishop Hereford, also known as Bishop Hartford, is a character from the 1990 anime series Robin Hood. He serves as one of the primary antagonists in Nottingham, holding a position of religious authority that he exploits for personal gain. Physically, he is depicted as a greedy and overweight man, whose appearance reflects his self-indulgent nature.

His personality is defined by avarice and a willingness to abuse his clerical power. He is fundamentally a self-serving individual who prioritizes wealth and status over any spiritual or moral duties. Despite his holy office, he shows no hesitation in pursuing secular riches and personal pleasure, including a lustful interest in the young noblewoman Marian Lancaster. This combination of greed and lechery makes him a caricatured but effective villain, especially in the early parts of the series.

The bishop’s primary motivation is financial gain, specifically to secure the Lancaster family fortune. To this end, he schemes to adopt Marian Lancaster, a descendant of the noble Lancaster family. In the original Japanese version, this plan is explicitly framed as a marriage between the elderly bishop and the much younger Marian, which would legally grant him control over her wealth. This goal puts him in direct opposition to Robin Hood and his band, who seek to protect Marian and the people of Nottingham from such predatory actions.

In the story, Bishop Hereford acts as a major obstacle for the protagonists, particularly in their efforts to safeguard Marian. He is a powerful figure in Nottingham, often collaborating with the series' primary villain, Baron Alwyn, to further his own schemes. While Baron Alwyn is focused on political power and destroying Robin Hood, Bishop Hereford's agenda is more personal and financially driven, centered on acquiring Marian and her estate. His role is that of a corrupt official whose authority should protect the innocent but instead is used to exploit them.

Key relationships define his place in the narrative. His most significant target is Marian Lancaster, whom he views not as a person but as a means to an end. He also has a working relationship with Baron Alwyn, as both men benefit from the oppressive atmosphere in Nottingham. However, this alliance is not one of true loyalty. A defining aspect of Bishop Hereford's character is his eventual development. Unlike many of the series' antagonists who experience a brief change of heart only to revert to villainy, the bishop undergoes a more permanent redemption arc. Towards the end of the series, he makes a genuine change for the better, ultimately betraying Baron Alwyn. He uses his position and knowledge to help Robin Hood by informing the outlaws of Alwyn’s plot to take over the kingdom, thereby aligning himself with the protagonists in the final conflict.

Regarding notable abilities, Bishop Hereford does not possess any significant physical prowess, combat skills, or magical powers. His influence is derived entirely from his social and religious standing. His primary ability is manipulation, using his authority to orchestrate situations that allow him to legally, if immorally, acquire wealth and power. He is a plotter and a schemer rather than a direct fighter, relying on his status and the systems in place to achieve his greedy ambitions.