"In 1853, the City purchased a farm at Manor Park within the bounds of the ancient forest boundaries for a new cemetery and this made the City Corporation a forest commoner with the right to graze cattle in the forest."
"A survey map by William D'Oyley, the forest's first Superintendent, sets out the early management of the landscape. A Forest Keeper's diary from 1903 records routine maintenance work, offering a practical view of how the forest was run."
"It's a concise display that documents how Epping Forest was secured and managed. The emphasis is on administration and preservation rather than landscape or ecology, but it tells a story of how the forest was saved for future generations."
Epping Forest, a royal forest since the 12th century, faced deforestation and enclosure in the 19th century. The City of London purchased land in 1853, gaining grazing rights. A lawsuit in 1871 affirmed these rights, leading to the purchase of Epping Forest in 1878. An exhibition at the Guildhall's Heritage Gallery showcases historical documents, including management maps and visitor guides, emphasizing the forest's administration and preservation. The exhibition is open daily until April 30th and is free to visit.
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