Inglewood Forest: A History of Royal Hunting and Border Defenses
Following the Norman Conquest of England, a vast expanse of land known as Inglewood Forest was established as a royal forest. In the historical context of the time, a "forest" did not exclusively refer to a densely wooded area; rather, it described a territory specifically set aside for royal hunting. While some parts of Inglewood were heavily wooded, the designation primarily served to protect the habitats of deer and wild boars, the primary game sought by the monarchy.
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The Geography and Administration of the Forest
The boundaries of Inglewood Forest were fluid, shifting multiple times throughout its history. At its peak, it encompassed most of the Cumberland wards of Leath and Cumberland. However, the heart of the forest was centered around the parishes of Hesket-in-the-Forest, Skelton, and Hutton-in-the-Forest.
According to Higham, the core region lay between the River Petteril and Chalk Beck. This central area specifically included the civil parishes and townships of:
- Dalston
- Sebergham
- Hesket
- Mungrisdale
- Catterlen
- Hutton
- Skelton
- Castle Sowerby
Administratively, the forest belonged to the English Crown and was governed by forest law—a strict set of regulations enforced by appointed wardens. While the city and borough of Carlisle (the area within its city walls) remained outside the forest's jurisdiction, the town of Penrith sat within its borders, serving as the primary market town and administrative hub for the southern region.
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The End of Royal Status and the Border Reivers
The era of royal hunting laws came to an end during the reign of Henry VIII, when the forest laws were repealed. Although Inglewood ceased to be a legal royal forest at this time, the designation persisted in cultural memory and continues to appear on maps today.
Beyond its royal history, the region was plagued by the activity of Border reivers—raiders who operated along the Anglo-Scottish border. To defend against these incursions, the landscape became dotted with Peel towers (also known as pele towers), which were small, fortified stone buildings designed to provide security for the inhabitants and their livestock.
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Key Facts
- Purpose: Established after the Norman Conquest as a royal hunting ground for deer and wild boar.
- Definition: "Forest" referred to a legal hunting designation, not necessarily a wooded area.
- Governance: Managed by the English Crown under strict forest laws enforced by wardens.
- Dissolution: Forest laws were repealed during the reign of Henry VIII.
- Defense: The area features numerous Peel towers built to protect against Border reivers.
- Key Hub: Penrith served as the main administrative and market center for the southern forest.
Fortified Buildings of the Region
The following table details the fortified structures and Peel towers associated with the Inglewood region, including their locations and official records.
| Name | Location | Grid Reference | NHLE Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armathwaite Castle | Armathwaite | NY505458 | 1145496 |
| Brackenburgh Tower | Calthwaite | NY476384 | 1145499 |
| Catterlen Hall | Catterlen | NY478320 | 1012829 |
| Cote House | Wetheral | NY475524 | 1111822 |
| Dalston Hall | Dalston | NY376515 | 1087441 |
| St Cuthbert's Church | Great Salkeld | NY551367 | 1100260 |
| High Head Castle | Ivegill | NY403433 | N/A |
| Hutton Hall | Penrith | NY518302 | 1326922 |
| Hutton in the Forest | near Skelton | NY460357 | 1210817 |
| Newbiggin Hall | St Cuthbert Without | NY433509 | 1087720 |
| Thistlewood | Ivegill | NY396436 | 1326687 |
| Woodside | St Cuthbert Without | NY433499 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What did "forest" mean in the context of Inglewood?
In this historical sense, a forest was a legal designation for land set aside for royal hunting, regardless of whether the land was actually covered in trees.
Which animals were primarily hunted in Inglewood Forest?
The royal hunts in this area focused mainly on wild boars and deer.
When did Inglewood stop being a royal forest?
Inglewood ceased to be a royal forest during the reign of Henry VIII, when the strict forest laws were repealed.
What are Peel towers and why were they built?
Peel towers are fortified buildings constructed to protect residents and livestock from the attacks of Border reivers, who were active raiders in the region.
Was the city of Carlisle part of the forest?
No, the area within the city walls of Carlisle was outside the forest boundaries, although nearby Penrith was located within them.