Dean, and Nigell Hathway, Martin de la Boze, John Fitz-Hugh, Richard Wither, Rob. Fitz-Warren, Will. Cadel, John Blund, Alexander de Staurs, Roger Wither, John Fitz-Gadway, serventes de feods, to have their “forgias itinerantes ad mortuum et siccum” as they were accustomed to have them temp. Ric. I. and John. [14a]  A similar privilege was granted, the same year, to Matilda de Cautilupe and Henry, Earl of Warwick—the latter at Lidenie—to have their “forgia,” as well as to Walter de Aure to have his “forgia itinerans,” and Richd. de Estun his “fabrica.” [14b]  So, likewise, in 1223 (7 Hen. III.), the Monks of Flaxlegh were directed to have “forgiam suam,” as in the time of King John.

A document [14c] without a date, but unquestionably belonging to the early part of the reign of Hen. III., to whom it seems to be addressed by way of an official report on the state of the Forest, affords the earliest compendium that has been discovered of the extent of its iron works at this period.

Concerning the “Fabricis,” these authorities say, that the Monks of Flaxley have “unam fabricam arrantem” at Ardland, in the Forest of our lord the King, and have, where they please, each week, two oaks, &c. &c.

Mabilia de Cautelup has one “fabricam arrantem,” at Ettelaw, and three “fossatas” of green wood and one oak for the same, &c.  They say, also, that John Malemort (gruyer) holds one “fabricam,” &c., and fells one oak each week, where he pleases.

They likewise say that the constable of St. Briavel’s Castle holds, in the same place, “unam fabricam,” which is sustained by what is felled for the “fabricam” of the said John, and by other perquisites, &c.

Concerning the “Fabricis” which are situated in the vills of the forest.  They say that at Bicknour are sometimes four “fabrica,” and sometimes two, and sometimes three, from which the Constable takes for each “VII^s. if they be ‘arrantes continue’ for one year; and the forester, who is forsooth lord of each vill, receives III^d. any way per week from each fabrica; and they are sustained by charcoal made in Wallea, and by perquisites in the Forest.”  They say, too, that at Ruwardin there are at one time or other “V. fabrica arrantes,” and sometimes less, in the same way as the constable and lord of each vill take, as aforesaid.

They say also that at Magnam Dene are “VIII^to fabricæ arrantes” of charcoal, made without the Forest bounds; and the constable and lord of Dene and of Abbenhal take of the above-named “fabricæ” as is first of all stated.

They say also that at Parvam Dene are “IIII^or. fabricæ arrantes” of the perquisites in the Forest, and sometimes also of charcoal made beyond the Forest bounds, and from thence the constable and lord of the same will take as has been already said.

They say also that Nigel of Lideneye holds one “fabricam,” at Lideneye, “arrantem” sometimes from the forest, and sometimes with charcoal made in Wallea, from whence the constable receives VII^s. per annum.

They say, too, that Walter de Ewies holds one “fabricam arrantem at Lideneye, from whence in the same manner the constable takes as has been said before.”

Peculiar interest seems to attach to the above return, not only from its high antiquity, but also because it gives other instances besides that of the monks of Flaxley, in which oak trees were granted to individuals for sustaining their forges.  The wording of the report likewise indicates a new meaning, and, no doubt, the correct one—of the term “arrantes,” as applied to the forges, which it proves to signify fed, supported, replenished, &c., and not moveable, as has been heretofore supposed—a term that seems singularly appropriate, considering how rapidly charcoal fuel burns away when urged by a strong blast, and, in consequence, the frequent necessity of renewing it.  Besides which, the forge would have to be repeatedly fed with fresh charges of ore.

Gloucester was for ages doubtless the market to which a large portion of the iron made in the Forest of Dean was sent for sale; and so superior was its

quality, that Gloucestria, or Glovernia, hardware was much sought after.  The following letter—addressed by Simon de Surtiz to Ralph de Wareham, Bishop of Chichester, 1217-1223, or Ralph Neville, who held the see 1223-1245, relative to the purchase of iron, affords an instance of this fact:—

“I have inspected the letters of his Lordship H. de Kynard, sent to us by you, and which I transmit to your holiness, signifying that he has taken amiss your command respecting the iron to be bought, writing to you that x. marks for the one lot of iron, and c. shilling for the other lot, ought to do.

“Wherefore since the same H. has not rightly understood your command, if it pleases you to write to him, you will that he have made for you x. marks of inferior iron, supposing he is able to do so.  But if otherwise, then that it be v. marks of the heavier and v. marks of the lighter sort, and that the kind made at Gloucester is what is wanted.

“If it please you, write also to the Lord Abbot of Gloucester, so that he work with care for my Lord of Winchester, your guest, that he be as easy as he can about the iron, and without delay.

* * * * *

“Moreover, my Lord H. de Kynard consults you that the iron may be wanted at Bristol and not at Gloucester.  But if he yield to your wish I would recommend you that it be brought to Gloucester, as more easy, and without risk.  I await your convenience until you can be brought to Winchester.”

Amongst the Patent Rolls of the 17th of this same reign (1233), is one entitled “De Forgeis Levand,” in Foresta de Dene.  And, in 1255, there is another relating to forges in the same. [17]

The issues in money to the Crown, from the mining and making of iron in the Forest, were stated by James Treysil, Custos of the Castle and Manor

of St. Briavels, to have amounted to the following sums for the year commencing 13 Jan., 39 Hen. III. (1255), and ending 16 Nov., 40 Hen. III. (1256):—