Medieval Charnwood Forest: Wasteland or Wonderland

 A talk by Dr Ann Stones

Medieval Charnwood Forest was an upland, rocky, sparsely populated and largely uncultivated area of north-west Leicestershire which contrasted sharply with the rich and plentiful ‘champion’ landscape of the Soar Valley to its east. But what were contemporary perceptions of medieval Charnwood? Was the forest seen as a barren, deserted and rather mysterious place, a barrier to cultural integration? Or was it instead a more familiar landscape, one regarded as a valuable resource and cultural meeting place? At this forum we will examine landscape, archaeological, documentary, cartographical and place-name evidence in an attempt to find answers to these questions.

About the Presenter

Ann Stones completed a PhD in English Local History which researched the boundaries of medieval Charnwood Forest. Her PhD was sponsored by the Arts and Humanities Research Council in collaboration with Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust’s ‘Charnwood Roots Project’.  You can read more about Ann on the event webpage.

Event Details

This is an in-person forum. There will be tea and cake before the Forum. The talk will start at 6.30pm and finish by 7.45pm. Venue TBC.