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.
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
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Clearwell Caves
Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden… Discover the Wonder of Under! The neolithic mines at Clearwell Caves are a secret world hidden beneath the trees – an exciting underground experience for the whole family.
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Scarr Bandstand
Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live… Sling has long been the focus for local music, Scarr Bandstand is a popular place to listen to live music and performances.
Prices from:
£120.00
Adventure | Families | 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… A former historic hunting lodge located in the centre of the Royal Forest of Dean. With 35 en-suite bedrooms, a cosy bar, pretty garden with heated dining dens, two…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
The Kymin
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful… When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
New Fancy Viewpoint
Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views… Formerly the site of the New Fancy coal mine, the old spoil heap now provides spectacular views across the Forest. Great for birdwatching and for woodland walks. Easy access…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
The Cathedral Of The Forest
All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic… All Saints Church, Newland, The Cathedral of the Forest, dates back to the 1200s. This historic church is home to the Miner's Brass a symbol of the Royal Forest of Dean.
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Goodrich Castle
Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a… Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it…
Adventure | Families | Groups | History | Nature
Grosmont Castle
One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White… One of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was…
History Events
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Families | Arts | History | Nature
Sculpture Exhibition – 'Back to the Caves: The…
Dates:
23rd May 2025 - 31st Aug 2025
A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the… A subterranean sculpture show like no other – 60 world-class artists explore colour beneath the Forest of Dean
Families | Arts | History | Nature
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… Each summer, the historic streets of Gloucester are transformed into a vibrant celebration of all things vintage with the much-loved Gloucester Goes Retro Festival.
Families | Arts | History | Nature
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… Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much more here in Monmouth, birthplace of Henry V.
Families | Arts | History | Nature
Father's Day
Dates:
15th Jun 2025 - 15th Jun 2025
Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre! Dad's go free on Father's Day at the Dean Heritage Centre!
Families | Arts | History
Golden Valley Vintage and Country Fair
Event Dates:
7th Jun 2025 - 7th Jun 2025
Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home…
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Families | Arts | History
Backstage in The Gage
Event Dates:
21st May 2025 - 21st May 2025
Find out about objects that are not on display and engage with the…
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Families | Arts | History
World War II Week
Event Dates:
24th May 2025 - 1st Jun 2025
May Half-Term is World War II Week!
View EventHistory Experiences
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? It's not your average day out. Are you ready to go beyond the tourist trail?
History Trails
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Dogs | Families | Groups | Nature | History | Relaxation
Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed… Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets and hidden stories in this charming…
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… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Our latest History blogs
The Wye Tour was the first organised tour in Britain, leading to the area being dubbed 'the birthplace of British Tourism'. It consisted of a boat tour down the River Wye from Ross-on-Wye in the north to Chepstow in the south.
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Explore the myths and legends of the Wye Valley from the many encounters of the Devil to mischievous creatures known as Pwcas.
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