New Forest Myths and Folklore

New Forest Myths and Folklore brings together two strands of the area’s storytelling tradition: myths and legends of the Old Forest, followed by later folktales. Brice Stratford traces stories associated with the Ytene, King Arthur, Robin Hood, Rufus the Red and Bevis of Hampton, placing local narratives alongside the changing names and history of the Forest.

The collection includes accounts of the Battle of Netley Marsh, the Christchurch Dragon, the founding of Beaulieu Abbey and Maurice de Berkeley’s encounter with the Bisterne Dragon. Further tales feature Yernagates, the Dodington Curse, Sprack Jack and the Pixies. Stratford draws on medieval romance, historical sources, guidebooks, academic writing and personal recollections to record traditions rooted in Hampshire’s Forest landscape.