The New Forest, with its ancient woodlands, wildlife-filled heathlands and timeless charm, is a place where nature and history intertwine seamlessly. First established as a royal hunting ground by William the Conqueror in 1079, this special destination has preserved much of its heritage and culture. From age-old traditions and rural working life, to myths and legends from years gone by, the New Forest is full of wonderful stories waiting to be told.
Step into a journey through time in this blog, and come and experience the magic for yourself…
A glimpse into the New Forest’s history
With the history of the New Forest, or “Nova Foresta”, starting as the royal hunting ground for William the Conqueror, its creation displaces local inhabitants, with strict forest laws imposed on those who remained. The forest’s significance continued into the Tudor and Elizabethan periods when timber from its woodlands was used to build England’s naval fleet, crucial for the defence of the realm.
Also during these periods, King Henry VIII commissioned both Hurst Castle and Calshot Castle, both of which were built to help defend in possible invasion. This historic time was also crucial for Beaulieu, when the estate was sold to the Earl of Southampton in 1538.
During both World Wards, the New Forest played a vital role! In World War I, wounded soldiers were bought to Brockenhurst to be treated in the make-shift hospitals set up by local residents. Also, during the First World War, the New Forest’s timber supported the war effort. While in World War II, this location became a strategic hub for military operations, with its airfields, training grounds, and secret preparations for D-Day were based in the forest, too.
The traditional working life of the New Forest
Over the centuries, the New Forest has seen many changes, including a transformation into becoming a National Park in 2005, however its ancient traditions and laws-some of which still exist-give the New Forest a sense of continuity with the past.
One of the most interesting traditions still practiced today is Commoning, where local people, known as Commoners, have the right to release and graze their animals-including ponies, cattle, pigs and donkeys-freely into the forest. This ancient practice helps maintain the delicate balance of the forest’s ecosystems and contributes to the destination’s continued beauty.
Another important job within the New Forest is done by the Verderers. The Verderers are responsible for overseeing the ancient rights, ensuring that the forest’s laws are upheld and regulate development on the forest.
You will also find Agisters working in the New Forest. These are employees of the Verderers, who’s main roles are to assist in the management of commoners’ stock on the forest and observing the conditions of both land and stock. You will often see them on horseback around the forest.

Myths, legends, witchcraft and ghosts
It’s not just it’s interesting history that the New Forest is famous for, but also it’s myths and legends. The dense, mysterious woodlands have long been associated with tales of witchcraft and the supernatural!
When it comes to legends, one of the most well-known stories involved Rufus Stone, where King William II, known as William Rufus, was supposedly killed by an arrow while hunting in the forest. Some say his death was no accident, but an assassination disguised as a hunting mishap, with the forest itself holding the dark secret of the event.
Local folklore is full of stories of witches who were said to inhabit the forest. These witches were believed to have the power to cast spells, heal, or curse, and villages of the forest were home to these folk who practiced herbal medicine and magic, the village of Burley is especially known as a location with a deep history of witchcraft. In this mysterious village, you can find shops dedicated to witchcraft and tarot reading locations. It was said that the famous witch, Sybil Leek, was a resident of Burley.
It’s not just witched that wander the New Forest, there are also many stories of ghosts of the area. The forest is said to be haunted by the spirits of smuggles, soldiers and tragic figures from the long history of the area, including King William Rufus.
Other eerie tales include sightings of ghostly monks wandering the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey. Legend has it that these monks, whose lives were cut short, still seek peace amidst the ruins of their former home. Visitors have reported strange sounds, flickering lights, and the overwhelming feeling of being watched when wandering through the abbey at night.
Do you want to learn more about myths and legends of the New Forest? Have a listen to the first episode of Finding Folklore about William Rufus.

The legacy of the New Forest
Preserving the nature and tradition is super important for this magical location, while still embracing the future. The fascinating culture and heritage of the New Forest – with its ancient practices, stories of ghosts and witches and the long life of history – remains alive for generations to come.