At their October meeting, Edwinstowe Historical Society heard Andy Gaunt’s illustrated talk “Ancient Wood Pasture to National Nature Reserve”, instead of “Sherwood Forest Outlaws and Villains”.

Andy described the landscape history of Sherwood Forest and the shaping of the ancient woodlands and heathlands, of Birklands and Bilhaugh and the National Nature Reserve. He discussed Medieval Forest Laws and Courts (Edwinstowe held a Verderers’ Court), complete with foresters, keepers, judges, verderers and tax collectors and how settlements grew. In order to preserve the diversity of the flora and fauna rarely seen outside the forest, Sherwood Forest was designated a “Site of Special Scientific Interest”.

On Monday, 4^th November, two Blue Plaques are to be unveiled in Edwinstowe. The first plaque recognises the site of the original Alms Houses founded by John and Ellin Bellamy in 1719, and the second plaque commemorates Christopher Thomson who lived in Edwinstowe in the 18^th century and started the first Library in the village.  (See website for details.) The Society has been instrumental in drawing attention to these residents, and acknowledges grants from the Newark and Sherwood District council, the Parish Council, St Mary’s Church, Fables Tea rooms, as well as the Edwinstowe Historical Society.

The next meeting will take place on 20^th November when Chris Wier’s talk will be “Mysteries of Nottinghamshire”.