A World Heritage Site since 1999, the New Forest is not that new and not really a forest. Only half is wooded with the rest being mainly gorse, heathland, mudflats and farms. It was created around 1079 for William the Conqueror.as an exclusive Royal hunting ground, especially for deer and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Nova Foresta’. Still 90% of the forest is Crown Land although King James II was the last monarch to hunt there, in 1686. It has also retained its ancient governing system of Verderers, Agisters and 500 Commoners.In Secret New Forest, author Martin Brisland has unearthed singular events, little known personalities and places in the history of the New Forest and reveals the history below its surface. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret New Forest will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this area of Southern England.