It was recorded at that time, “ a church, a priest and four bordars (slaves working on the priest’s land) wood pasture half a mile long and half as broad.” This was the landscape that Robin Hood would have known.Įdwinstowe (Edenstou) named after King Edwin of Northumbria (617-633) was a small settlement within the forest bounds. Our nearest Viking site is in the woodland on the western edge of Sherwood Forest close to the Warsop Boundary Stone.Sherwood Forest was now a mixture of oak, elm, lime and birch woodland including areas of heathland with bracken, heathers, gorse and grassland. Other evidence of Viking place names ending is -by – and Old Norse suffix meaning village or homestead and thorpe, an old Danish word meaning small village or farm. The name ‘Sherwood’ was first recorded in 958AD when it was called Sciryuda, meaning ‘the woodland belonging to the shire’. The Vikings during the 9 th and 10 th Century settled in the forest. Farming in the strip system (Laxton) was established and many trees were cut down as the demand for timber increased. The Angles and Saxons then invaded Britain and many farms and villages were established. Feld was a Roman name as was used in names such as Mansfield, Ashfield and Farnsfield. Our nearest Roman Settlement was between Budby and Gleadthorpe. Much of the heathland originated from forest clearance by the Romans at this time. ![]() Romans settled in the area in the 1 st Century AD. A Bronze age stone axe was recently found at Laxton. Creswell Crags was the home of prehistoric hunter-gathers. From 4,000BC there were agricultural settlements in Sherwood. ![]() The streams were home to fish and beavers. At this time, the whole of Britain was covered in forest and wild animals wolves, lynx, tigers, bears, boars, deer, ox, roamed the forest. There is evidence of oak pollen from 7,000BC. Heathers, lichens, birches, willows, elms, low growing shrubs and grassland covered the area. No wonder that in 2014 the Major Oak was crowned the tree of the year by the Woodland Trust.Īfter the ice-age, due to enormous river systems in the area, sandstone was laid down (Bunter or Sherwood Sandstone). With its estimated 900 veteran oaks (600 years+) and a unique mix of old woodland and heathland Sherwood is a magical area to visit for all ages. The forest is well known for its abundance of wildlife, which includes many birds owls, woodpeckers, redstarts, nuthatches, swallows, swifts, treecreepers, jays, blue tits, as well as bats, insects (which includes stag beetles), 200 species of spiders, harvestmen and the rarest false scorpion in Britain which lives under the bark of oaks. Pollen records show that there has been an unbroken cover of woodland here since the end of the last ice-age, 10,000 years ago. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and it is also under consideration to be a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) This is because it is a uniquely undisturbed ancient oak woodland which has created an internationally rare habitat. Today, Sherwood Forest covers just over 1,000 acres. The myths and legends that surround Robin are based on (social justice) robbing the rich to give to the poor. First and foremost, it was the home of Robin Hood, possibly the most well-known, loved outlaw and hero who has captivated the imagination of many. It is to many, a magical forest with interesting secrets. One of the Secrets of Sherwood Forest – Vera’s Story.Įdwinstowe is at the Heart of Sherwood Forest today.King Edwin Primary School previously called Edwinstowe Council School.Christopher Thomson Social Reformer and Artist.War Time School Days & My Early Days at King Edwin’s School.Sherwood Forest during & after World War II. ![]()
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