The forests of southwest England in medieval times were rich in plants and animals and an important part of the area’s culture. Medieval forests in southwest England, particularly Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the New Forest were large areas of land that the king mainly used for hunting, and they played a big role in the social and economic life of the regions. The idea of royal forests was started by the Normans in the 11th century, and its peak was in the late 12th and early 13th centuries, with about one-third of the land in Southern England being royal forests. These places were carefully looked after in order to protect animals and the places they lived which enabled the King to have satisfactory hunting grounds. There were many strict Forest Laws to keep the land safe for hunting, and people could be severely punished for causing any problems. Hunting in medieval times was both practical and showed a person’s high status and power. The main methods were hunting on horseback with help from dogs, using bows and arrows, and the noble practice of falconry, where trained falcons or hawks caught birds. These forests and their laws greatly impacted the land and cultural customs of medieval England, and still affect how the area is today. In this blog post, royal forests of south-west England, specifically, Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the New Forest will be explored and discussed and the archaeological work that has been done in each of them will be touched on as well.
Exmoor forest, which spreads across parts of Somerset and Devon, was a significant medieval forest known for its diverse terrain, including wooded valleys, heathlands, and moorlands. The forest law imposed restrictions on hunting and the use of forest resources, which were reserved for the crown and its nobles. The local economy and lifestyle were deeply intertwined with the forest. While the king and nobles enjoyed hunting rights, commoners had limited rights such as pannage, grazing livestock, and collecting firewood. These rights were crucial for the survival of local communities, providing essential resources like food and fuel. However, the stringent forest laws often led to conflicts between the crown and local inhabitants, who needed to navigate these restrictions carefully to maintain their livelihoods.
Dartmoor Forest, located in Devon, was another significant medieval forest, characterised by its vast open moorlands and scattered wooded areas. Its landscape with granite tors, deep river valleys, and upland heaths, was both a resource and a challenge for medieval communities. The forest laws in Dartmoor regulated the use of woodlands and the hunting of game. Timber from Dartmoor’s forests was a valuable resource for building and heating, and managing these woodlands sustainably was crucial. In addition to timber, Dartmoor’s forests provided grazing grounds for sheep and cattle, which were integral to the local economy. The practice of transhumance, the movement of livestock between summer and winter pastures, was common which was one of the ways that contributed to effectively utilising the resources of the moorland. The harsh and rugged terrain of Dartmoor also contributed to its cultural significance. The forest was steeped in folklore and legend, with tales of ghosts, spirits, and mythical creatures. These stories added to the mystique of Dartmoor and reflected the close relationship between the people and their environment.
The New Forest, even though it’s slightly east of the southwest region, was an influential medieval forest established by William the Conqueror in 1079 as a royal hunting ground. Covering parts of Hampshire, the New Forest’s creation involved the displacement of local communities and the imposition of strict forest laws. Unlike the open landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, the New Forest was characterised by dense woodlands, heathlands, and wetlands. These varied habitats supported a rich biodiversity and provided resources such as timber, which was vital for shipbuilding, and common land for grazing livestock. The forest laws enforced in the New Forest were particularly strict, protecting the deer and boar for royal hunts while allowing commoners specific rights to gather firewood, graze animals, and cut turf for fuel. The social dynamics in the New Forest were shaped by the tension between royal privileges and common rights. Over time, these tensions led to legal reforms and the establishment of common practices that balanced the needs of local communities with forest conservation.
Archaeological work in the medieval forests of southwest England, specifically in Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the New Forest, has uncovered significant findings that have contributed greatly to the understanding of their historical usage and habitation. In Dartmoor, extensive archaeological surveys and excavations have revealed Bronze Age settlements, medieval farmsteads, and remnants of ancient tin mining activities. The discovery of stone rows, hut circles, and burial cairns highlights the area’s long history of human activity. Similarly, in Exmoor, archaeological efforts have identified Iron Age hill forts, medieval hunting lodges, and remnants of ancient woodland management practices, providing a deeper understanding of the landscape’s evolution over the centuries. The New Forest has also seen archaeological investigations, notably uncovering Roman roads, medieval pottery, and the remains of old hunting lodges, reflecting its long-standing significance as a managed landscape. These archaeological findings not only highlight the historical uses of these forests but also help preserve their rich cultural heritage for future generations.
In conclusion, the medieval forests in southwest England have had a lasting impact on the region’s landscape and culture. Today, Exmoor and Dartmoor are protected as national parks, preserving their unique ecosystems and historical significance. The New Forest remains a significant natural and cultural heritage site, managed to balance conservation with traditional communal practices. These forests are known for their biodiversity, beautiful scenery, and historical importance. They provide insights into medieval land management, social structures, and the complex relationship between humans and their environment. The legends and folklore associated with these forests continue to capture imaginations, highlighting the deep cultural roots and enduring mystique of these ancient landscapes. Overall, the medieval forests in southwest England, particularly Exmoor, Dartmoor, and the New Forest, were crucial to the region’s history and ecology. Their management and use reflect the complexities of medieval society, where royal prerogatives and common rights coexisted and often clashed, shaping the landscape and the lives of the people who depended on it.
Author: Frey Slape