Important dates and events in the history of the New Forest
Since its designation as a royal hunting ground by King William I in 1079 there have been a number of important dates and events that have all played a part in shaping the New Forest over time.
This page summarizes a number of these dates and events that have all occurred over the history of the New Forest and National Park.
- 1079 - King William I has the area designated as a royal hunting ground and Forest Laws are created to ensure the protection of animals and the vegetation as their food.
- 1086 - the first official record is made of the area as The New Forest, in the Doomsday Book.
- 1100 - King William's son, William Rufus, is shot and killed with an arrow while out hunting, either accidentally or otherwise.
- 1217 - Henry III's Charter Of The Forest gives further protection to The New Forest, as well as similar afforested areas throughout the country.
- 1483 - the very first Tree Growing Act passed, opening the way for areas to be enclosed - a strong feature of today's New Forest.
- 1698 - William III passes an Act to create more enclosures for protected timber production, for use by the Navy.
- 1808 - an Act for the increase and preservation of timber in The Forest is passed.
- 1845 - the London to Southampton railway line is extended through to Dorest and bisects the New Forest.
- 1851 - the Deer Removal Act is enforced, unsuccessfully. More enclosures are created and trees planted.
- 1877 - the first major 'New Forest Act' is passed. The Court of Verderers is re-established to take control of the rolling powers of the Crown, surrendered through the act. This Act also prohibits the creation of any more enclosures.
- 1919 - the Forestry Commission is established to care for and manage Crown lands throughout the country.
- 1924 - Forestry Commission officially takes over the management of The New Forest.
- 1939-45 - The New Forest areas of Stoney Cross, Beaulieu Heath and Holmsley see airfields being built for wartime use.
- 1949 - the New Forest Act is passed, ensuring further conservation efforts and making minor boundary changes.
- 1969 - National Nature Reserve status is given to The Forest under recognition of its habitats and wildlife.
- 1971 - Site of Special Scientific Interest status given to The Forest. Traditional Forest Laws are abandoned.
- 1976 - the parking of cars is confined to official car parks throughout the New Forest; ditches are dug and dragon teeth fencing is erected to prevent parking on open Forest areas.
- 1990 - New Forest Committee is created to oversee and co-ordinate the actions of 6 different governing bodies in the area.
A 40mph speed limit is put into place on Forest roads in an attempt to reduce animal deaths. - 1991 - the area is recommended by the National Parks Review Panel for consideration to becoming a National Park.
- 1994 - National Park status recommendation is rejected by the government.
- 1997 - a 4 year 'LIFE' program is financed by the Forestry Commission and European Union to restore areas of The Forest and to improve conservation efforts.
- 1999 - the Countryside Agency reviews the recommendation and puts forward plans to give the area National Park status.
- 2000 - the provisional National Park boundaries are defined.
- 2002 - a Designation Order is published and a public inquiry launched to decide upon whether the new NP status should go ahead.
- 2005 - The New Forest National Park is officially recognised on March 1st.
Sources of reference: www.hants.org.uk, www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-6a4kpd
