The History of the New Forest
A brief history of the New Forest National Park.
- The New Forest Verderers still hold a court of law in Queen’s House, Lyndhurst.
- In March 2005 the New Forest became a National Park.
- New Forest History
- The New Forest was originally woodland but in the Bronze Age large areas were cleared for cultivation. The poor quality New Forest soil meant that these cleared areas changed to heathland. Learn more about the New Forest history.
- William the Conquerer
- The “New Forest” was created in 1079 by William the Conqueror as a Royal hunting preserve. Much of it is still in the possession of the Crown.
- Commoners of the New Forest
- “Commoners” can still graze their ponies, cattle and pigs, a “Right” gleamed from the Crown by the locals centuries ago.
- Smuggling in the New Forest
- The New Forest has a history of smuggling. No doubt due to it’s close proximity to hidden coves and pathways from the sea and the English Channel.
