Forest of Braydon


The Forest of Braydon, is an historic royal hunting forest in Wiltshire, England, the remnant of which lies about 6 miles north-west of Swindon. In ancient times it encompassed about 30,000 acres.

History

In the year 688, Caedwalla, king of the West Saxons, granted to Abbot Aldhelm of Malmesbury Abbey in Wiltshire, thirty hides on the eastern side of Braydon Wood.
At its greatest extent, Braydon Forest covered about a third of the area of the county of Wiltshire, but over the centuries most of it was gradually cleared.

Keepers

Persons holding the office of "Keeper of the Forest of Bradon" include: