1. History And Heritage

History & Heritage

Of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

We have a very rich heritage here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley of which we are rightly proud. A former royal hunting forest, the Dean has a long past as a source of timber for ships and building, coal, charcoal, iron ore, ochre and limestone. Archaeological studies have dated the earliest use of coal to Roman times. But the area was inhabited well before that in Mesolithic times and there are even remains of megalithic monuments. One of the few surviving ancient woodlands in England, a large area was reserved for royal hunting before 1066, and remained as the second largest crown forest in England. The Speech House Hotel was built in 1682 to host the Court of Mine Law and "Court of the Speech" and you can still eat in the Verderers Court today.

The area has had a resurgence in recent years thanks to tourism, and we are lucky that because of this many important sites have been preserved for future generations. From the pick axe marks on the walls at Clearwell Caves to the underground mine tours at Hopewell Colliery, the monuments to fallen miners in towns and in the forest, to the museums which tell their story such as the Dean Heritage Centre, to the old railway lines and bridges now cycle paths and footbridges and the Dean Forest Railway still running steam trains through the forest today... the heritage is such an important part of what makes this area so special.

The Wye Valley is considered to be both the birthplace of British tourism and also the birthplace of the industrial revolution. With more castles than anywhere else in the UK, there is a strong history of conflict and defence, as well as religion and craftsmanship. From Tintern Abbey to Goodrich Castle, Monnow Bridge to Offa's Dyke, the Wye Valley has a wealth of heritage to see and explore to this day. With its beauty it is easy to forget why some of these fortifications were built, but the arrow slits, cannons and dungeons remind us of their history too.

History Businesses

Lancaut and Wintour's Leap Panorama David Broadbent Photography
Dogs | History | Nature

Lancaut and Wintour's Leap

Surrounded by cliffs, with views over the River Wye this is a truly magnificent spot. From…

Nelson's Tower The Kymin credit Linda Wright
History | Nature

The Kymin

When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful…

The Devil's Pulpit Viewpoint
History | Nature | Relaxation

The Devil's Pulpit

Spectacular views over Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from this iconic viewpoint along the Offa's…

7 1286337968
Families | Groups | History

Raglan Castle

Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.…

The Speech House Hotel Front

Prices from:
£120.00

Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | History | Nature

The Speech House Hotel

A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite…

Grosmont Castle

One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White…

New Fancy Viewpoint Lady Photographing
Nature | Relaxation | Dogs | History

New Fancy Viewpoint

Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views…

Pan Tod Beacon
History | Nature

Pan Tod Beacon

The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed…

Puzzlewood Forest
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Wander twisting tree-root paths at Puzzlewood, the Forest of Dean set seen in Star Wars, Doctor Who…

IMG 2211
Families | History | Nature | Groups | Arts | Accessible

The Dean Heritage Centre

We are the Museum of the Forest of Dean. Learn about the history of the area, visit our Museum,…

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Cathedral of the forest stained glass window
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | Arts | History | Relaxation

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that…

Tintern Abbey
History | Groups | Arts

Tintern Abbey

When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern…

FDWV Gallery Lydney Harbour Boats
Dogs | History | Nature

Lydney Harbour

Discover Lydney Harbour’s tidal views, heritage sculptures and easy waterside walks. Directions,…

Darkhill Ironworks archaeological site
Dogs | History | Nature

Foresters' Forest

Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects…

8 2145246030
Families | Groups | History

Chepstow Castle

Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow…

Whitecliff Ironworks
History | Nature

Whitecliff Ironworks

Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the…

History Events

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Date From:

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B0006265

Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025

A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the…

Gloucester Goes Retro
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible

Gloucester Goes Retro

Dates:
23rd Aug 2025 - 23rd Aug 2025

Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all…

Dean Heritage Centre Kids Event
History | Families

Backstage in the Gage

Dates:
20th Aug 2025 - 20th Aug 2025

Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the collection up close!

Discover Archeology at the Dean Heritage Centre
Families | History

Discover Archeology

Dates:
29th Jul 2025 - 29th Jul 2025

Find out about Archaeology and being an archeologist.

History Experiences

CAVING

Prices from:
£35.00

Adventure | Families | Groups | Nature | History

Adventure Caving

It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?

History Itineraries

Nature in Art 1 792263698
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty long weekend in the Forest of Dean & Wye…

Duration: 4 Days 3 Nights

Lydney Harbour Landmark Stones
Dogs | Families | Groups | Arts | History

An arty mid week break in the Forest of Dean &…

Duration: 5 Days 4 Nights

History Trails

Ross on Wye
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail

Duration: 1 Hour

Distance 2.2 Miles

Coppett Hill Walk
Dogs | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
History

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History

Film & TV Trail

Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from…

Our latest History blogs

Freemining in the Forest of Dean
History

Freemining in the Forest of Dean

Post date: 5th April 2025

For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.

Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint in the Summer
History

The Wye Tour

Post date: 4th April 2025
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