The name 'New Forest dates back to about 1079 AD when William 1 created
his 'New' Forest as a Royal hunting preserve, but evidence of man can be
traced back to Prehistoric times. Flints have been found in gravel pits
that appear to have been hacked by man into tools. Many specimens can be
seen in the local museum at Salisbury. Because of the enormous amount of
information required, the history of the New Forest has been divided it
into six subsections, Some have a more detailed views available by clicking
on the relevant links within the text. This section of the Guide is being
constantly updated with the help of experts who
offer their views and comments about the many periods of history.
