Medieval Woodlands: the Magna Carta and the Forest Charter
by Angus, 12 June, 2015, 0 comments
In the 13th century, "forest" land included fields, heathland, villages as well as woodland - Royal Forests were areas where very different and rather Draconian laws applied. Over the previous two hundred years a "forest" had become a royal hunting ground for the King and, by invitation only, the aristocracy and very strong restrictions applied to this land. By the beginning of the 13th century a third of southern England was designated as forest even though Royal Forests hadn't even existed before 1066: they were were set up and extended by successive Norman Kings. Royal Forests were so extensive that all of Essex was included at one point. Not only did ordinary people have fewer rights in forest lands but it was uncertain exactly what those rights were. This left an opportunity for kings to extend the size of the forest and enlarge their powers. Read more...
