Trees in the New Forest

In the Other Publications, there are references to the possible involvement of trees in the hunting accident:

5.11 Around them spread far and wide the umbrageous lanes and alleys of the New Forest, trees of every variety, oaks in greatest number, crowding the soil. As yet there were no trees of mighty girth. The forest was young. Few of its trees had more than a quarter-century of growth, except where more ancient woodland had been included. (Article 28)

6.20 Matthew Paris has the arrow that killed William ricocheting off a tree whereas earlier accounts have Walter Tirel taking a shot at a second deer but having the sun in his eyes. (Article 22)

6.21 Gaimar is quoted as:

"The king was in the densest part of the forest in proximity to a marsh. he had set his mind on shooting one particular stag which he had been passing in a herd. He dismounted next to a tree, and tensed his bow himself. When the barons dismount, they are scattered all around, and the others fan out in a circle about. Walter Tirel had dismounted near an elder tree very close to the king, and he took his position with his back against an aspen. (Article 25)

6.26 William of Malmesbury does not mention the arrow ricocheting off a tree or animal or name who brought the king's body to Winchester.(Article 26)

6.27. The arrow fired by Tirel was deflected by a tree into the King's breast. This is the first account to suggest this. (Article 26)

6.30 Tyrell's story is as follows: he and the king had taken their stations, opposite one another, waiting the work of the woodsmen who were beating up the game. Each had an arrow in his cross-bow, his finger on the trigger, eagerly listening for the distant sounds which would indicate the coming of game. As they stood thus intent, a large stag suddenly broke from the bushes and sprang into the space between them.

7.28 Others declared that the King and Sir Walter Tyrrel were hunting in company, a little before sunset, standing in bushes opposite one another, when a stag came between them. That the King drew his bow and took aim, but the string broke. That the King then cried, "Shoot, Walter, in the Devil's name!" That Sir Walter shot. That the arrow glanced against a tree, was turned aside from the stag, and struck the king from his horse, dead. (Article 29)

Colin Bower
18 August 2024

Conclusions

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