We are at present involved with number of projects that focus on
aspects of Cultural Tourism and Heritage Interpretation. Since our work on the discovery of Thynghowe, a Viking Thyng or Thing site, in Sherwood Forest England we
have been interested in how significant woodland sites can be
researched and better understood. Working in partnership with Sheffield
Hallam University and The Forestry Commission we have been making some
progress but there is much more to do.
The medieval parliamentary
assembly sites, the Thing Sites, could be regarded as the cradle of
democracy in Europe. They were the first attempts to share power, to
establish legislative and executive procedures in society and to
adopt civil rights for the individual. These sites represent values
such as freedom of speech and democracy. In some respects these
values are under pressure in today’s world. It is therefore
important to connect the history of the Thing Sites to conflict
resolution issues today, and to pass on the values of the sites as
the cradle of democracy.
“Cultural
heritage is an important resource in local communities. It is part of
our cultural identity; it gives us something to take pride in, it
gives us confidence that we possess a legacy that matters to our
national narratives. The promotion of the
thing sites as birthplace of modern democracy in Northern Europe
could benefit our region in many ways. There
is a trend that people want genuine qualities in peaceful
surroundings. Most thing sites, I believe,
should represent such unique qualities. Tourism
is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. Cultural
tourism can help vitalize local communities by
generating jobs, and boosting local economies”. Opening
address by Heidi Grande Røys, Nordic Co-operation Minister and
Minister of Government Administration and Reform, at the Gulating
Summer Seminar, 23 June 2008
There are opportunities to be seized for the benefit of Sherwood Forest and its communities so we hope our Thynghowe site can become a major feature of our local heritage. We now have a special place on our site called VIKINGS of SHERWOOD and we will update it as new information is a acquired.
Other Items to look out for on the site include:
ANECDOTAL LOOK AT THE 5th DUKE OF PORTLAND AND HIS GROUND BREAKING BUILDING WORK AT WELBECK ABBEY. Click on the Bow & Arrow to see the article.
This article looks at the elegant underground complex built by the 5th Duke of Portland to house his Art and Book Collection.
Please visit this site regularly as we are always adding new stories and information. Now read on and enjoy!
At this site we provide information regarding the features and events in and around Sherwood Forest connected with its history, archaeology, woodland events and new woodland walks. We are also presenting a view of the working woodlands in the area. In these changing times it is important that woodlands are portrayed as vibrant healthy places both for people and the trees. That means trees have to be part of a bio diverse landscape. Harvesting trees is as important to evolving habitat as is planting trees. For us to have ancient trees we must protect the ones we have and plan for new ones in the future. The emphasis of our website is on The Real Sherwood Forest, full of life, a place to celebrate.This site will certainly be of interest to you if you wish to experience the real distinctive history and scenery of the Sherwood Forest area in addition to the usual legendary visitor attractions.
We have now gathered together a collection of photographs of working woodlands and will be adding them to the site over the next few weeks.
Also take a look at our
newly discovered original photographs of Clumber Park House and Gardens
taken in 1896. An example is shown below. Click on the bow and arrow to open the article.
THE SHERIFF OF NOTTINGHAM OFFICIALLY OPENING THE THYNGHOWE TRAIL IN HIS HISTORIC AND LEGENDARY ROLE AS 'ENSURER OF THE SAFETY OF ROUTES THROUGH THE FOREST OF SHERWOOD'.
Saturday 25th April 2009 -
The Sheriff's traditional role back
through the mists of time was to “ensure a safe route through
Sherwood Forest”. In the 'olden days' this was for the wealthy
merchants and barons but today he helped the Friends of Thynghowe
launch and publicise the Thynghowe Trail.
The Thynghowe Trail leads through
Birklands from the Windmill on Peafield Lane to Netherfield Lane,
Gleadthorpe, Budby. It is three miles long.
Trail posts lettered A – Q mark
places and features of interest and a leaflet explains and describes
those fascinating features to the walker. The leaflet can be obtained
free from any local library, visitor centre, and the Forestry
Commission.
The Sheriff and Margaret Woodhead –
well known local historian and Chair of Friends of Thynghowe were
photographed on the top of Hanger Hill – along with Stuart Reddish who with his wife Lynda Mallett rediscovered the site of Thynghowe.
Birklands
