SHERWOOD

See also:

• FOREST

FOREST  , one of the ancient English forests, in Nottinghamshire . It extended from Nottingham northward to Worksop, being over 20 M. long and from 5 to 9 M. broad . The soil is sandy and poor, and although a considerable portion has been brought under cultivation, the district preserves many traces of its ancient character, especially as a great part of it is covered by the domains included under the modern name of the Dukeries (q.v.), Sherwood was a crown forest from the time of Henry II. and a favourite hunting-ground of several kings; the land was divided between various lords of the manor, and its disafforestation was carried out at various times . The forest is traditionally noted as the retreat of Robin Hood, whose cave is seen at Papplewick near Newstead .