Portrait of Epping Forest

Epping Forest, six thousand acres of heath and woodland running from the heart of Greater London boroughs into the undulating farmland of West Essex, has a unique place in the affections of all who know it. Since being saved from enclosure by the timely intervention of the Corporation of London on behalf of the commoners in the eighteen-seventies, it has been maintained entirely at the City's expense in strict conformity with the Epping Forest Act 1878, which conferred on the public rights of use never before enjoyed.
Sir William Addison has not only had long experience as a Verderer in the management of the Forest, he also has unrivalled knowledge of its history - particularly in relation to the complicated issues that came before the courts in the 1870s. The approach of the centenary of the Epping Forest Act prompted him to re-examine the many claims and counter-claims of forest rights, and to set down hi clear and concise terms what these claims really amounted to when examined by the courts. Many myths are exposed as without foundation, including the one that Epping Forest was given to the public by Queen Victoria. It was never hers to give.
This is a book of the heart as well as the head. Underlying all the discussions of rights and wrongs is a broad tolerance of conflictmg attitudes. The author says: 'it doesn't matter whether we all agree or not. What matters is that we all care.' There have been many books on Epping Forest, including more than one by the author; but the publishers believe that this will be the standard work on the history and management of Epping Forest for many vears to come.