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

Darkhill Ironworks archaeological site
Dogs | History | Nature

Foresters' Forest

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

Cathedral of the forest1 2059016302
Dogs | History | Nature

The Cathedral Of The Forest

All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic…

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Dogs | History | Nature

Chepstow Castle

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

Puzzlewood Forest
Dogs | History | Nature

Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood is a magical day out in the Forest of Dean. An enchanting, ancient woodland, filled with…

Lydney Park Spring Gardens Roman Temple Site showing a waterfall and beautiful flowers in bloom

Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and…

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Cathedral of the forest stained glass window
Dogs | History | Nature

Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

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

VDW Goodrich Castle 6 686711623
Dogs | History | Nature

Goodrich Castle

Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a…

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

The Kymin

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

History Events

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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…

Monmouth Medieval Festival
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible

Monmouth Medieval Festival

Dates:
6th Jul 2025 - 6th Jul 2025

Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much…

Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible

Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair

Dates:
7th Jun 2025 - 7th Jun 2025

Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home of Gwatkin Cider in…

Stargazing Experience in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley enjoying the best Dark Skies in the UK
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups | Arts | History | Accessible

Stargazing Safari

Dates:
10th May 2025 - 10th May 2025

Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. You will go up the hill…

Traditional Charcoal Burn at Dean Heritage Centre
Adventure | Dogs | Families

Traditional Charcoal Burn

Event Dates:
1st May 2025 - 5th May 2025

Our Traditional Charcoal Burn event is back again for the Early May Bank…

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Adventure | Dogs | Families

Stone Carving Workshop at Gloucester Cathedral

Event Dates:
3rd May 2025 - 3rd May 2025

Discover the beauty of nature through art at this award-winning gallery…

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 | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Coppett Hill Walk

Distance 6.3 Miles

Newent Town Centre
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail

Duration: 1-2 Hours

Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation

Film & TV Trail

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

Our latest History articles

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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