In store now! Secret New Forest by Martin Brisland

Following his extremely successful Secret Southampton, Martin Brisland returns with another trove of local history, unearthed truths, and hidden gems: Secret New Forest. Like its predecessor, Secret New Forest gives readers an insight into the lesser known areas of the New Forest, as well as some better known spots with an unknown history. 

Filled with beautiful photography, fascinating facts, and lesser known details about the colourful personalities that populate the expanse of the New Forest, Secret New Forest, shows us a whole other world hidden beneath the one we already know! A must have for locals and day trippers alike.

Order your copy today directly through October Books or buy online through our bookshop store and we’ll get a commission on your purchase.

Secret New Forest by Martin Brisland

Paperback £15.99

A World Heritage Site since 1999, the New Forest is not that new and not really a forest. Only half is wooded with the rest being mainly gorse, heathland, mudflats and farms. It was created around 1079 for William the Conqueror as an exclusive royal hunting ground, especially for deer, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as 'Nova Foresta'.

Still 90 per cent of the forest is Crown land, although King James II was the last monarch to hunt there, in 1686. It has also retained its ancient governing system of Verderers, Agisters and 500 Commoners. In Secret New Forest, author Martin Brisland has unearthed fascinating facts, little-known personalities and places in the history of the New Forest and reveals the history below its surface.

With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret New Forest will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this area of southern England.

Order your copy today directly from October Books or buy online through our bookshop store and we’ll get commission on your purchase.

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