The Rufus Stone

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The Rufus Stone Car park is situated within ancient wood pasture on the eastern edge of the Forest. A short stroll takes you to the famous memorial to King William II. Many stories abound but it is said that an arrow shot at a stag by one Walter Tyrrell glanced off a tree and killed the King.

How to get there:

The Rufus Stone is in New Forest.

By car: from Junction 1 of the M27, head along the B3078 towards Fordingbridge. At Brook turn right along a narrow road towards the Sir Walter Tirel pub and the car park is situated on the left hand side just past the pub.

Brook is the nearest town or village.

OS Grid Reference: SU 271 126
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

Other places to go in New Forest

Please tell us about your visit

Please email us at enquiries.new.forest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.

Facilities and Activities

Contact:

General Enquiries
023 8028 3141
e-mail: enquiries.new.forest@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

What's of interest

August 2nd, 1100 and the king is with a hunting party in the New Forest. The king and his friend, Walter Tyrrell have become separated from the rest of their party. The story is that a stag breaks cover and that the king fires the first arrow only to miss. Tyrrell fires next and his arrow glances off a tree and into the chest of the king. William II dies immediately. The stone marks the place where his body lay overnight. William II is buried in Winchester cathedral.