RETURN OF THE 'THYNG'!

 
The Forestry Commission and the Friends of Thynghowe are bidding to unravel the secrets of an ancient meeting place - called Thynghowe - dating back to at least Viking times.
 
Three years ago the mound-like feature was rediscovered by history lover and former teacher Lynda Mallett, along with husband Stuart Reddish and John Wood, all from Rainworth, using an original "perambulation" document dated to 1816.
 
Miraculously, when they visited the spot they found that the hill still exists, along with historic boundary stones. Their research has also suggested that it may once have marked the boundary between the Anglo Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Northumbria.
 
After reporting the intriguing find to local history society members in Clipstone, Warsop and Edwinstowe, a new group was formed to work with forest chiefs to investigate the site's significant history and encourage wider community appreciation and involvement.
 
Andrew Norman, Ranger with the Forestry Commission, said:
 
"Our forests in Nottinghamshire contain many historic sites, but it's down to the efforts of local people that Thynghowe has re-emerged from the shadows. It's our policy to protect the site and work with the community to ensure its continued survival."
 
Al Oswald, an Archaeological Investigator with English Heritage, recently inspected the site and believes it is a national rarity.  He explained:
 
"I was very surprised by this discovery. The site had vanished from modern maps and was essentially lost to history until local people made their discoveries.  There are only a handful of such sites surviving in the British Isles in places like Orkney and the Lake District.  Basically, Thynghowe was a place where people came to resolve disputes and settle issues – quite literally where people came to talk about things.  It's a Norse word, although it's quite possible the site is much older still, perhaps even Bronze Age. The word howe often indicates a prehistoric burial mound.  We do know that it's been an important place for centuries and even today there are three parish boundary markers on top of the mound.  This is an exceptional survivor and needs further study." 
 
Lynda Mallett, who with her husband owns 17 acres of woodland nearby in Sherwood Forest, added:
 
"We have also discovered a 1609 map of the Birklands showing routes to Thynghowe, in addition to the 1816 perambulation document describing the walk around the Lordship of Warsop. Today it is known as Hanger Hill, but our research has shown it really is a window into the past of Sherwood Forest. There is probably much more to be discovered. We are working with the Forestry Commission to look at options for the site's management and protection and to make it more widely known."
 
Local people are now being given the chance to tread in ancient footsteps and visit Thynghowe as part of a walk re-tracing the so called Warsop Boundary Perambulation. This annual walk was once used to establish the boundaries of the parish and settle any disputes. It is being held on Saturday 26 April, meeting at 10am at Budby Pumping Station. Booking essential on 01623 822447. 

For more information see www.forestry.gov.uk/eastmidlands
 
Media calls to Richard Darn on 0775 367 0038 / 01226 246351.
 
Notes to editor
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.
 
The Friends of Thynghowe are participating in a Woodland Champions Project, which aims to encourage people to care for their natural heritage. Thynghowe is one of eight case studies which feature in a Woodland Heritage Manual, produced by Sheffield Hallam University, showing how such grassroots involvement can be successful.
 
For more information on the Friends group contact Andrew Norman on 01623 882447.