St Leonard's Forest West Sussex: A Landscape History

Have you ever wondered about St Leonards Forest as you pass it by on your bicycle in your car or on the bus? Maybe you have walked its footpaths with or without a dog. Was it a royal forest? Who owned it? What about its dragon? Wasnt there something about a saint and the white and pink spring flowers lily-of-the-valley? Wonder no more. This is the first in depth study of St Leonards Forest and it is clear from reading this thoroughly researched and engaging book that Maggie has a deep interest in and love of the Sussex landscape particularly its forests. To make sense of the Forests development this volume is set in its earlier historical and geographical context covering the mid-18th century to the beginning of the 20th century. Follow the Forests journey from its early days of hunting iron and charcoal production stone quarries rabbit warrens and poor heathland through to the transformation to high value properties with attractive gardens and parks. Five estates in the centre of the Forest are considered. Inevitably too St Leonards dragon has his story told along with other Forest legends and myths. Ultimately there is encouragement to get to know the Forest by the footpaths that were so nearly closed at the beginning of the 20th century; to give thanks to those locals who fought to keep those footpaths open and who won the day. To walk through the Forest and appreciate its history and legends; to get that restorative feeling that can only come from the sight and smell of pine beech oak and birch.When Maggie came to live in Horsham in the year 2000 she was keen to know more about the lovely forest on her doorstep so she began studying at the University of Sussex for a BA in Landscape Studies. When she retired from her work as a Probation Officer and Practice Teacher she continued studying for her doctorate under the supervision of Professor Brian Short. Maggie wrote this book to share her research more widely to St Leonards Forests residents historians and those who love forests.