Centuries ago, Anglo-Saxon kings had a palace and hunting lodge at Brill; the nearby forest of Bernwood was used as a Royal hunting forest from this point onwards. In 1985, T. A. Rowell wrote in his paper 'History and Bernwood Forest' that some of the trees in the oldest existing part of the woodland - lying closest to Otmoor - were over 900 years old.

At its greatest extent, the forest covered over 400 square kilometres, and swallowed 50 seperate parishes (9 of which were within Oxfordshire!). During the 10th century, King Edward the Confessor (who was born just down the road in Islip) considered it to be one of his favourite hunting spots.

From as early as 1217, a gradual process of deforestation began, although it didn't gather pace until 1632, after which large swathes of ancient woodland were felled, and parcels of land sold to private owners. One original reason for deforestation was due to agriculture - trees were removed to make way for open fields, in which crops could be grown, or animals grazed.

During its time as a Royal hunting forest, all red, fallow and roe deer, along with wild pigs, were protected, with only the King or his companions having exclusive rights to the land and animals within its boundaries. These Royal rights were taken very seriously indeed... In early times, those who trespassed within the Royal territory were subjected to harsh punishments, and anyone who dared to poach or otherwise mutilate any game there were sometimes even put to death! Later on, expensive fines were levied on the criminals.

The modern remnants of the Royal forest are comprised of Shabbington and Waterperry woods. The Bernwood Jubilee Way runs through a section of the forest, following a 61 mile path within the ancient forest boundaries.

Bernwood Forest is now one of the most important wildlife habitats in Britain, being home to 40 species of butterfly alone!

The map below is courtesy of New College, Oxford, and shows Bernwood Forest circa 1590. Link: https://www.new.ox.ac.uk/archives-gallery