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
Families | Groups | History
Raglan Castle
Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.… Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside. Discover its history, impressive towers, and dramatic ruins, just a short trip…
Families | Groups | History
Wobage Maker's Gallery
Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by… Contemporary craft gallery in the south Herefordshire hills. Beautiful work, made and sold here by the makers. Ceramics, furniture, wood-carving, kitchenwood, basketry,…
Families | Groups | History
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…
Families | Groups | History
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…
Families | Groups | History
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…
Families | Groups | History
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…
Families | Groups | History
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…
Families | Groups | History
Skenfrith Castle
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a… Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which…
History Events
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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.
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… Join us for a fun and engaging weekend filled with displays, activities, entertainment and much more here in Monmouth, birthplace of Henry V.
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… Join us for a full day of entertainment at Moorhampton Park Farm, the home of Gwatkin Cider in Herefordshire. The Golden Valley Classic Show will be exhibiting hundreds of…
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… Enjoy an evening stargazing with Jim on the hill at Tudor Farmhouse Hotel. You will go up the hill to enjoy the clear skies over Clearwell and learn more about the stars and…
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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