INTRODUCTORY. 3 
addition to these three abbeys, there was a priory of 
Augustins at Worksop, so that the forest was almost as 
well supplied with monks as with deer. 
The northern half of the forest was more thickly 
wooded than the southern, and, indeed, is so now, that 
part around the town of Ollerton still retaining its 
ancient trees, and forming the most perfect specimen of 
a forest of the feudal times existing in England. Besides 
the extensive tracts still unenclosed, large portions have 
been reclaimed from their sylvan wildness, and form 
parks which, for extent and beauty, have few equals in 
the country. Thoresby, Clumber, Welbeck, Rufford, and 
Worksop Manor, all cluster round the present forest, of 
which in bygone years they formed no insignificant 
portion. These extensive domains, whilst retaining 
much of their original beauty, have been greatly im- 
proved by their owners, and their wild features have 
given place to a softer’ loveliness. Much of the open 
heathy ground has been covered with thriving woods 
and plantations, especially of oak, an enormous number 
of these trees having been planted by the late Duke of 
Portland, who took great delight in the work. Large 
sheets of water, swarming with wild fowl, ornament each 
park, and the game in all is closely preserved. 
The whole of this district, in addition to its charm of 
great natural beauty, possesses an historical interest, 
which, in spite of these utilitarian times, is not soon 
likely to die. Ihave spoken of the numerous monks, 
who, loving good cheer, fixed themselves where it could 
be easily obtained, but I must not omit to mention one 
who was their sworn enemy. Robin Hood has won a 
name in our nation’s annals, whilst his gallant esquire, 
Little John (a native of the county), with Will Scarlet, 
B 2 
