Almenningsgarður
Hatfield-skógurinn á þjóðtrúnni
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Ábendingar heimamanna
Christine
August 26, 2022
Explore over 1000 acres of ancient forest. Follow the "wooden walks" which are wood slat pathways so your shoes/boots will not get muddy. There is a beautiful lake where you can hire out a rowing boat. Then head for refreshments next to the lake with either your own picnic or eat at the open air cafe. A fantastic day out for walkers, couples or all the family.
Explore over 1000 acres of ancient forest. Follow the "wooden walks" which are wood slat pathways so your shoes/boots will not get muddy. There is a beautiful lake where you can hire out a rowing boat. Then head for refreshments next to the lake with either your own picnic or eat at the open air…
Sarah
November 12, 2019
Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a medieval royal hunting Forest, with over 1,000 acres of coppices and wood pasture. It has a rich and varied history stretching back over 2000 years through to the present day. Early History The Roman road, Stane Street, going towards Colchester, runs along the present northern border of the Forest. The Forest contains Portingbury Hills, a ditched enclosure in Beggarshall Coppice, shown on maps as an ancient monument. It was thought to have been an Iron Age settlement, but is now believed more likely to be of medieval origin. Early Medieval History Immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, in 1066, Hatfield Forest was owned by the King, Harold, and passed to William, after his victory. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The royal hunting Forest was created by Henry I around 1100 - royal hunting rights remained until 1446. “Forest” defined an area where deer were kept for hunting, and a special law, Forest Law, applied. The word was introduced by the Norman rulers of England as a legal term denoting an uncultivated area legally set aside for hunting by feudal nobility. It did not mean a forest as we might understand today, with densely planted trees. Trees were merely co-incidental, subsidary to the main purpose of hunting. Fallow deer, originally from Sicily, were introduced. The Medieval period Ownership passed through a succession of owners, including Robert the Bruce, the Dukes of Buckingham, the Rich family, the Parkers and the Turnors. This was a period of disputes between parties who held rights to different parts and aspects of the Forest. A rabbit warren was established, to provide an important source of meat. Remains of the Warren can still be seen. The Georgian period In 1729, the Houblon family bought the Hallingbury estate, including Hatfield Forest, for their heir, Jacob Houblon III. Following the fashion of the period, the family set about developping a detached pleasure ground in the central area, notably creating a lake, building the Shell House and planting exotic specimen trees. The renowned landscape designer Lancelot Capability Brown provided a plan for modifying the original lake. The Forest was treated by the family as an extension to Hallingbury Place and they would ride out to enjoy picnics in the Shell House and dance by the lake. The Victorian period During the 19th century, ownership of the whole area of the Forest and outstanding mineral and timber rights were consolidated. Under the benign stewardship of John Archer Houblon, the Forest was drained, and protected from conversion to agricultural use, a fate awaiting adjacent forest areas in Hainault and Epping. The Forest is bequeathed to the National Trust In 1923, the Hallingbury estate was broken up and sold off at auction. Hatfield Forest was sold to a timber merchant and he began to fell standard oaks. The Forest was however saved from further destruction by the intervention of the pioneering conservationist Edward North Buxton. He was able to begin the purchase of the Forest. He died before this was finished. The process was however completed by his family and, following his wishes, they bequeathed the Forest to the National Trust. It was opened to the public in May 1924. World War II During World War II, Elgins Coppice was used as a storage area for ammunitions for use at nearby airfields, including Stansted. The foundations of several huts can still be seen from the road, poking out through the fallen leaves.
Hatfield Forest is a rare surviving example of a medieval royal hunting Forest, with over 1,000 acres of coppices and wood pasture. It has a rich and varied history stretching back over 2000 years through to the present day. Early History The Roman road, Stane Street, going towards Colchester, runs…
Evi
April 2, 2018
This place has a picnic area, lake and nature trail. Its ideal if you like taking long walks or for riding your bike.
Marina
October 3, 2017
Beautiful forest with wild deer and small cafe. Great for walks.
Max
April 29, 2022
Perfect for a scenic walk, there is also a café by the lake with lots of outdoor seating
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Staðsetning
Takeley, England