Medieval times

Here we return back to our human history of the wood. This low bank in front of you was originally 2m high and had a 2m high palisade fence running along the top. In addition, there was a ditch on the inside and possibly another on the outside.  It was formidable and if you were standing in a castle, you’d have no hesitation and stating it’s function. However, this structure wasn’t for keeping out marauding no-goods (although that might have been an added benefit) but about protecting the coppice management of the woodland.

In this audio, we explore the function of this earth bank. However, keep in mind that whilst it was mostly built up in medieval times, there’s evidence to suggest this bank was already in existence during Saxon times and so this means the wood is likely to be over a thousand years old. A very ancient place!