Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

Could ancient hedges have served any function where roe deer are concerned?

Could ancient hedges have served any function where roe deer are concerned?

Current thinking is that fallow were introduced by the Normans and would not have been present in Saxon times.


Friday, 13 April 2007

I am a historian working on the history of Savernake Forest.

Saxon charters for the area describe extensive hedges running for miles, with occasional gates or stiles; features that have a resemblance to later deer parks and, if fallow had then been present, could have served to control them for hunting. Could these vast hedges have served any function where roe are concerned?

A:

Your scholarship will enable you to trace the connection between haga and the medieval deer hayes; hedges to assist the driving of deer into toils (nets) or enclosures where they could be slaughtered.

A royal appointment, the Yeoman of the Toils, would have been responsible for producing deer for hunting or to furnish the royal table.

Current thinking is fallow were introduced by the Normans and would not have been present in Saxon times. Roe may have been relatively numerous, but were not highly regarded, being deprived of protection under the Forest Law in the 14th century.

Red deer are the likeliest species involved, if indeed this was the reason for the hedges. If they ran for miles their purpose may have had more to do with improving hunting than providing meat. It is unlikely the Saxons would have done more than hunt roe for meat and would not have enclosed them.

Roe and red deer bones have been found in Saxon digs, but no fallow.


CompPrevious
Where can I find falconry instruction?

Where can I find falconry instruction?

A:Falconry is becoming increasingly popular and fo...

CompNext
How do I cure my puppy's firework fear?

How do I cure my puppy's firework fear?

A:During a puppy's early training I make sure...


Guns

Mauser M03 rifle review

Mauser M03 rifle review

Mauser M03 rifle review: With great design features and an attention t... Read more


More in Guns...


News

Will poult orders be down this year?

Will poult orders be down this year?

ST asks if the global downturn will force gamefarmers to raise fewer p... Read more


More in News...



Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss your chance to enter our FREE prize draw in this week's magazine (on sale 10th March) to win the new Browning B525 Hunter 12-bore worth over £1,400. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy now!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Locals vote no to sea eagles

Locals vote no to sea eagles

The Norfolk Wildlife Trust's AGM attracted more than 100 ... Read more


Dog owners face competency test

Dog owners face competency test

A "competency test" for all dog owners could be impl... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!