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
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… The highest point in the Forest of Dean at 290m high with a beacon and a memorial to miners killed in the local collieries.
History | Nature
Gloucester Cathedral
A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of… A warm welcome awaits you at Gloucester Cathedral. Proudly sitting at the very heart of the City of Gloucester is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country where…
History | Nature
Chepstow Castle
Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow… Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
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.
History | Nature
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that… Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that seamlessly blends contemporary art with the natural beauty of ancient woodlands.
History | Nature
White Castle
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known… White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to…
History | Nature
Lydney Park Spring Gardens - Roman Temple Site
Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and… Fine formal gardens open every spring April-June only and for groups. Beautiful rhododendron and azalea gardens, ponds, waterfalls, temples and ruins. Important Roman Temple…
History | Nature
Darkhill Ironworks
Darkhill Ironworks can be found on the outskirts of Coleford. The terraces of stone walls are all… Darkhill Ironworks can be found on the outskirts of Coleford. The terraces of stone walls are all that remain of the important ironworks where David and Robert Mushet carried…
History Events
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
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…
View Event
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…
View Event
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.
Read more
Stay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
