Tag Archives: assizes

New Forest: forest laws, punishment and reform

Nowadays we think of a forest as a place covered in trees but in medieval times it was understood to be a reserve for royal hunting. However, a ‘forest’ could also include whole villages and other settlements, as well as … Continue reading

Posted in New Forest, New Forest customs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on New Forest: forest laws, punishment and reform

New Forest: the hunters and the hunted

The history of the New Forest is very closely intertwined with that of hunting. Indeed, it was for that very purpose that the New Forest was established nearly a thousand years ago. Royal hunting favoured red deer but also extended … Continue reading

Posted in New Forest | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on New Forest: the hunters and the hunted