The Thyng from another world – or at least Sherwood Forest’s amazing past – is back in the headlines!
Last year the Forestry Commission revealed that the Friends of Thynghowe had discovered an ancient meeting place - called Thynghowe – on its Sherwood estate in the Birklands, near Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, dating back to at least Viking times.
Since then rangers and volunteers have since stepped up efforts to unravel the mound's secrets. The site has also been proposed for scheduling as a protected monument.
Now a three mile waymarked walk – called the Thynghowe Trail - will be opened by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Brian Grocock, on Saturday 25 April. Snaking through gnarled old oaks, it will offer a chance to walk in the footsteps of the ancients and soak in the timeless atmosphere of Robin Hood's old stomping ground!
Ranger Andrew Norman, from the Forestry Commission, explained
“It’s a miracle that Thynghowe has re-emerged from the shadows, but also a reward for the hard work of local historians who found it on a 1816 document describing a walk around the Lordship of Warsop, which was the old way of re-establishing parish boundaries. Ramblers can retrace the walk and pay homage to this wonderful past.”
The inaugural trek, led by the Sheriff of Nottingham, will set out at 10.30am, as part of Spring into Health Week. Walkers can join the historic outing by calling 01623 822447. The cost is £2.
Stuart Reddish, who together with wife Lynda Mallett and John Wood, all from Rainworth, rediscovered Thynghowe, said:
“Later this year we hope to carry out a full survey with Nottinghamshire County Archaeology unit. If we can get funding we’d also like to commission a so-called LIDAR survey. This cutting edge technology uses an aircraft fitted with radar to scan and see beneath the trees for tell-tale ground works. That would give us a key to unlock other secrets.”
English Heritage believe Thynghowe is one of only a handful of such sites known in the British Isles and was a landmark where people came together to resolve disputes during the Dark Ages. It may also have marked a tribal boundary between Mercia and Northumberland. Even today there are two parish boundary markers and an unmarked standing stone on top of the mound.
Researchers have also found a rare forest blueprint for the Birklands dating to the 1820s in the archives of the Wellbeck Estate. It hints that bones from horses killed in battle – perhaps at Waterloo – were rendered and used to fertilise the land, a practice known from elsewhere.
Media calls to Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351.
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NOTES TO EDITOR
- A leaflet has also been published giving details more on the history of Thynghowe. It is available from Andrew Norman on andrew.norman@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
- Forestry Commission England is the government department responsible for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands. Scores of other events are being staged for Spring into Health Week. To find out more go to www.forestry.gov.uk/EastMidlands
- For more information on the Friends group contact Andrew Norman on 01623 882447.