FOREST OF DEAN. 253 



the district. They broke in and destroyed the fences. 

 On May 11th, 1059, Colonel White reported to the 

 House of Commons that upon the 3rd of that 

 month 



"divers rude people in a tumultuous way in the Forest of 

 Dean did break down the fences, and cut and carry away the 

 gates of certain coppices, inclosed for the preservation of timber, 

 turned in their cattle, and set divers places of the Forest 

 on fire to the great destruction of growing wood." 



It appears that the popular feeling of the district 

 had been aroused by the fact, that in pursuance of 

 the policy of re-afforesting the 16,000 acres, 400 cot- 

 tages of poor people living on the waste had been thrown 

 down. This action of the Commonwealth created a 

 reaction in the district in favour of the lioyalist party, 

 and it was reported that large numbers of people were 

 ready to support the cause of the Stuarts. . 



On the restoration of Charles II., all the proceedings 

 of the Commonwealth were nullified, and the grant 

 in favour of Sir John Winter was revived. He pro- 

 ceeded to put his rights under it in force, by making 

 inclosures. He was again strongly opposed by the in- 

 habitants of the district. They petitioned the king for 

 inquiry. 



In December, 1661, a Commission was issued to 

 inquire into the state of the Forest, and to advise 

 in accordance with the prayers of the petitioners : 



" whether the Forest may be restored to his Majesty's demesne, 

 and re-afforested and improved by inclosure for a future supply 

 of wood for a constant support of the iron works there, producing 



