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Click on dates for information
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King of England :
Henry I 1100-35 Background information : The so-called 'white ship disaster' off the coast of France in 1120 took the life of Henry's son and heir and would cause the extinction of the Norman dynasty in its male line 15 years later. Meanwhile this area was experiencing comparitively peaceful times. The Royal Forests One of the first things William the Conquerer had established after his invasion were the Royal forests. The Doomsday book records several in this area including Deerfold, North wood between Evenjobb and Presteigne, and Ack wood at the E end of Radnor Forest. Over the next hundred years they were added to by Rufus, Henry I and later Henry II. By 1200 about 1/4 of the country |
![]() Central Anglo-Welsh Border c.1127
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was Royal forest which supplied food,
particularly fresh meat in winter and Royal income for timber, pannage
(pig-rearing) and rental in some areas. Hunting was forbidden except for
the King and the spoils of Deer and wild Boar fed his court and often
neccesitated a somewhat nomadic itinerary for the Royal entourage. Land
usage was restricted in these forests and no building or commercial timber
felling was allowed. Conversion of forest to agricultural land was also
illegal except with permission and a rental fee. There were harsh punishments
for offenders and poachers including mutilation and death. The forests
continue in some small parts to this day although, of course, ownership
has changed.
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