Forest of East Derbyshire facts for kids
The Forest of East Derbyshire was a large area of wooded land in Derbyshire during the Middle Ages. It stretched between the River Derwent and the River Erewash.
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What Was the Forest of East Derbyshire?
In medieval times, a "royal forest" was not just a place with lots of trees. It was a special area of land, often including woodlands, heath, and even villages, that was protected by the king. These lands were mainly used by the king and his nobles for hunting.
A King's Hunting Ground
The Forest of East Derbyshire became a royal forest during the time of King Henry II. This was different from other nearby forests like the Forest of High Peak, which had been taken over earlier by William I. The Forest of East Derbyshire was huge! It covered almost the entire length of what is now Derbyshire. It even bordered Sherwood Forest, creating a massive stretch of royal land from the River Derwent all the way to the River Trent.
Who Looked After the Forest?
The people in charge of the forest were called "custodians" or "keepers." They made sure the king's rules were followed and that the land was protected for hunting. For a long time, the Cauz family from Laxton in Nottinghamshire were the main custodians. They had inherited this important job.
Changes in Custodianship
One important member of the Cauz family was Matilda de Cauz. She married Ralph fitzStephen, who was a special assistant to King Henry II. When Ralph died in 1202, King John took control of Matilda's lands and her role as forest custodian. However, after King John's death in 1217, Matilda got her lands and her job back.
The Forest is No More
Eventually, the Forest of East Derbyshire changed. In 1225, it was "disafforested." This meant it was no longer a royal forest, and the special rules that protected it for the king's hunting were removed. Around this time, William de Ferrers II might have expanded another hunting area called Duffield Frith. He even built a new hunting lodge at Belper, which was to the east of the River Derwent.
