Who Killed the Bears?
A notorious historical incident that served for many years as a local insult between the people of Cinderford and Ruardean. Discover the truth behind the question that echoed through generations.
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Folklore & Legend
Ancient tales, supernatural encounters, and the myths that have shaped the Forest of Dean's identity
Who Killed the Bears?
The notorious question that became a taunt between Cinderford and Ruardean, revealing a dark night of fear and blame that echoed through generations.
The Ghosts of Speech House
Tales of the ancient courthouse and the spirits that linger in its halls. From phantom judges to mysterious footsteps, the Speech House holds many secrets.
The Return of the Wild Boar
How escaped boar became a symbol of the forest's wild heart, and the legends that grew around their mysterious reappearance after centuries.
The Faerie Folk of Puzzlewood
Ancient stories of the little people who dwelt among the twisted roots and moss-covered stones, and the rules for those who dared enter their realm.
Industrial Heritage
Stories from the coal mines, iron works, and quarries that shaped the Forest and its people
Voices from the Pits
Oral histories from the coal miners of Cinderford, their families, and the communities built on black gold and brotherhood beneath the earth.
Iron and Fire: The Forges of Dean
The story of the iron masters who turned Forest ore into weapons, tools, and the backbone of an empire, leaving scars and legends in equal measure.
The Last Train Through the Forest
When the railways connected the Forest to the world, and the day the last whistle blew, marking the end of an era and the beginning of silence.
Local Characters
Remarkable individuals who left their mark on the Forest, from eccentrics to heroes
The Hermit of Symonds Yat
The true story of a man who chose solitude over society, living in a cave above the Wye and becoming a legend in his own lifetime.
The King of Poachers
Tales of the legendary poacher who outwitted gamekeepers for decades, becoming a folk hero to some and a villain to others.
The Wandering Artist of Clearwell
A mysterious painter who appeared each spring, capturing the Forest on canvas before vanishing with the autumn leaves, leaving only beauty behind.
Traditions & Customs
Ancient rights, seasonal celebrations, and the customs that bind the Forest community together
The Foresters' Rights
Ancient customs and the people who fought to keep them. The story of Free Miners and their unique privileges dating back to medieval times.
Dancing the Forest Awake
May Day traditions, morris dancers, and the ancient rituals that welcome spring to the Forest of Dean, keeping old customs alive in modern times.
Wassailing the Orchards
The midwinter tradition of blessing the apple trees, singing to the spirits, and ensuring a bountiful harvest through song, cider, and ceremony.
Nature & Wildlife
Stories of the Forest's wild inhabitants and the changing seasons that shape their lives
The Return of the Peregrine
How the fastest bird on earth came back from the brink of extinction to nest once more in the Forest's ancient cliffs and quarries.
The Witness Trees
Ancient oaks that have stood for centuries, silent witnesses to history, and the stories they could tell if trees could speak.
The Autumn Rut
When the fallow deer gather and the forest echoes with the bellowing of stags, an ancient drama plays out beneath the autumn canopy.
Mysteries & Unexplained
Strange occurrences, unsolved puzzles, and the mysteries that still haunt the Forest
The Lights of Soudley
Strange lights seen dancing through the trees on moonless nights. Will-o'-the-wisps, marsh gas, or something more mysterious?
The Village That Vanished
A settlement marked on old maps but nowhere to be found today. What happened to the people who once called it home?
The Lost Roman Treasure
Legends of Roman gold hidden in the Forest before the legions withdrew. Treasure hunters have searched for centuries, but has anyone found it?