The Royal Forests of Medieval England
Helen M. Jewell|Charles R. Young
The distinction between the and trees is fundamental to this study, for royal of medieval England was a complex institution with legal, political, economic, social significance. To protect beasts their habitat, initially king's hunting later economic exploitation, an elaborate organization officials courts administered system forest that unique England. subject can first be studied in detail records chronicles Angevin kings, which reflect restless activity Henry II his growing corps led expansion area designated as forest. At its height thirteenth century, estimated one-fourth land riches came under special jurisdiction law. Barons whose holdings lay within were restricted use land, all who lived or traveled circumscribed. Until new taxes overshadowed importance king divested himself large areas 1327, extent forest, jurisdiction, often source conflict barons major political issue Magna Carta crisis 1215. This general history from beginning Norman Conquest decline Middle Ages. author pays attention development law alongside common law, interrelationship two types courts, justices. preservation extensive unpublished Public Record Office makes possible intensive study legal administrative aspects forest; Exchequer, among other sources, shed light on forests author's ultimate objective show influence upon daily lives contemporaries-both held peasants tilled forests.
The American Historical Review