The royal forests of England

Delve into the quiet world of England’s ancient woodlands, where law, legend, and landscape intertwine. This volume unfolds the origins of the royal forests, guiding listeners through the medieval courts that governed them, the officials who patrolled the borders, and the customs that shaped daily life beneath the canopy.

Richly illustrated, the narrative brings the forest’s inhabitants to life—stags, boars, hounds, and the unique breeds of trees that defined each region. From the famed oaks of Sherwood to the secluded glens of the High Peak, the author paints vivid portraits of both the natural beauty and the human dramas that unfolded within these protected realms. Listeners will gain a clear sense of how these landscapes influenced law, sport, and community, revealing a side of English history that often lies hidden behind stone walls and rolling hills.