Changes

It was an ancient wooded area used for hunting but much of it was cleared for agriculture in [[Anglo-Saxon]] times. In 1079 [[William I]] declared it a game reserve and brought the whole brutal weight of the law into developing and preserving it for royal use alone.  

It was an ancient wooded area used for hunting but much of it was cleared for agriculture in [[Anglo-Saxon]] times. In 1079 [[William I]] declared it a game reserve and brought the whole brutal weight of the law into developing and preserving it for royal use alone.  

In 1900 king [[William I]] (Rufus) was killed there by an arrow whilst hunting - whether accidently or on the orders of his successor, [[Henry I]], is not known. The spot is marked by an obelisk.

In 1900 king [[William I]] (Rufus) was killed there by an arrow whilst hunting - whether accidentally or on the orders of his successor, [[Henry I]], is not known. The spot is marked by an obelisk.

Over the centuries the laws were relaxed and private ownership gradually introduced. Today only parts of it are crown land,  although the Forestry Commission is charged with its management. Its inhabitants can thank history and tradition for certain privileges:

Over the centuries the laws were relaxed and private ownership gradually introduced. Today only parts of it are crown land,  although the Forestry Commission is charged with its management. Its inhabitants can thank history and tradition for certain privileges: