96 



The New Forest : its History and its Scenery. 



So runs the story as told by the Chroniclers. And to this 

 day popular tradition not only repeats their tale, but points to 

 the places associated with the event. Below our feet lies the 

 lonely glen of Canterton, where the King is said to have fallen. 



TO 



Rufus's Stone. 



The oak from which, as the legend runs, the arrow glanced, is 

 long since dead, but a stone marks its site, now capped over with 



vivid, and adds that the dogs were chasing the stags up a hill; but his 

 whole book is very doubtful, and his account in this particular instance is 

 irreconcilable with the others. Gaimar (L'Estorie des Engles. Ed. Wright. 

 Caxton Society, pp. 217-224), who says that the King was hunting near 

 Brockenhurst (Brokehest), gives a still more detailed account, but we are 

 met by the same difficulties. Of later writers, Leland, in his Itinerary (vol. vi. 

 f. 100, p. 88) states that the King fell at Thorougham, where in his time there 

 was still a chapel standing, evidently meaning Fritham, called Truham in 

 Domesday. Gilpin (Forest Scenery, vol. i. p, 166) mentions a similar tradi- 

 tion ; so that there is a very reasonable doubt as to the spot itself being where 

 the Stone stands, especially since, with the exception of the vague remark 

 of Florence, none of the best Chroniclers say one word about the place. 

 Thierry, in many minor particulars, follows Knyghton, whose authority is 

 of little value, and I have therefore omitted all reference to him. 



