Needwood Forest in 1817

Description from A Topographical History of Staffordshire by William Pitt (1817)

NEEDWOOD FOREST.

Needwood Forest.-This ancient forest, or chance, is the most beautiful part of the honour of Tutbury, and is situated in the northern extremity of the hundred of Offlow, and in the four parishes of Tutbury, Hanbury, Tatenhill, and Yoxall.

It was formerly resorted to by the ancient nobility, whose principal diversion was the chace. Camden says, "between the rivers Dove, Trent, and Blithe, Needwood, a spacious forest and full of parks, extends itself, in which the neighbouring nobility eagerly pursue the cheerful sport of hunting

Needwood Forest formed a portion of the Duchy of Lancaster, and after the accession of Henry the Fourth it belonged to the Crown for centuries.

In the survey of Tutbury, taken in the first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth, the following account is given of the extent of Needwood Forest. "The forest, or chance of Needwood, is in compasse by estimation 23 miles and a half, and the nearest part thereof is distant from the castle of Tutbury but one mile. In it are 7869 yards and a halfe, and very forest-like ground, thinly set with old oakes and timber trees, well replenished with coverts of underwood and thornes, which might be copiced in divers parts thereof, for increase of wood and timber, lately sore decayed and spoyled. It is divided into four wards, viz. Tutbury ward, Marchington ward, Yoxall ward, and Barton ward, each containing five miles or more in compass."

According to a survey made in 1656, this forest was found to contain 9220 acres of land, and by an examination of the timber in 1684, it contained 47150 trees, and 10,009 cord of hollies and underwood, valued at £30,700. Needwood Forest presents to the eye a great variety of picturesque beauty. In the more fertile part, or the middle and southern divisions, it is diversified by hills and valleys, watered by clear brooks, with here and there a bolder eminence. In the northern part, it is broken into deep glens and lofty precipices, covered with a variety of beautiful trees, particularly the oak, which here flourishes in great perfection.

It has been asserted that the forest does not contain less than one thousand acres occupied with oaks, among which an oak named the Swilcar, is considered the monarch. This tree is of great antiquity, but still fruitful in acorns; it measures twenty-one feet round the trunk, at the height of five feet; the lower stem is ten feet high; the whole height 65, and the extent of the arms 45 feet. It contains at least one thousand feet of solid timber, and has been celebrated by poets and botanists.

The uneven part of the forest, comprising upwards of 1200 acres, consisting of abrupt hills and dells, will probably be appropriated to the growth of timber, and the remaining 8000 acres added to the cultivated land of the country. One-eighth of this quantity consists of light sound loam, adapted to the culture of turnips; and the rest, which is generally a red, or whitish-grey marry loam, will produce excellent pasturage, or be productive of good beans.

In the northern extremity of the forest is a singularly romantic valley, called Bertram's Dingle, which, if private property, might be made uncommonly beautiful.

Besides the natural beauties of Needwood Forest, it is adorned with four handsome lodges, which have for ages been held under the Crown on a lease of three lives, and transferred from time to time to different owners.

Byrkley Lodge is situated on an extensive plain on the east side of the forest, and is surrounded with a beautiful variety of wood. It is the residence of Edward Sneyd, Esq. who has made many improvements. A stream, called Linbrook, rises here, and runs southward.

Yoxall Lodge is the residence of a poet and divine, the Rev. Thomas Gisborne. It is built in a delightful situation, in a recluse valley on the banks of Linbrook, and is well adapted to the studious pursuits of the owner.

Sherholt Park and Lodge, in Barton ward, is the property of Lord Vernon. The views towards Lichfield, etc. are extensive and picturesque; and near this mansion a rivulet runs into a fine sheet of water, called Lush Pool.

Roland Lodge is situated on the north-west side of the forest, and is surrounded by woods and lawns. It is the property of Lord Bagot, and was formerly the residence of Francis Noel Clarke Mundy, author of "Needwood Forest," a poem.