The earliest surviving reference to the Forest was in 1167, during the reign of Henry II,[1] and it was probably created in the 12th century.

When she died in 1369, Edward granted the Honour to his son John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

[2] The Forest was not a continuous stretch of woodland, but a hunting area subject to special rules for conserving game.

The hamlets later became eleven separate constabularies: Beckwith with Rossett, Bilton-with-Harrogate, Birstwith, Clifton, Clint, Felliscliffe, Hampsthwaite, Killinghall, Menwith with Darley, Thruscross and Timble.

Provided that they did not interfere with the king's hunting, they were free to make their livings in the Forest.

The forest had been stripped of many of its trees, largely for the sale of timber for the iron smelting industry.