As a result of the rapid expansion of the iron industry, huge surface workings begin to scar the landscape, which are to this day called 'Scowles'. An increasing number of trees are coppiced to make the necessary charcoal to heat the ore to the temperature required for extracting the iron. Source: Belcher
The Romans colonise the area. Source: Belcher
The Romans rapidly expand the iron industry, again using the 'Bloomery' process. Source: Belcher
The Romans withdraw their legions from Britain, leaving the indigenous Romano-British people to face invasion from Northern Europe by the Jutes, Angles and Saxons. Source: Belcher
Celtic (Dubonni/Silures) colonists arrive from the European mainland. Source: Belcher
The Iron age arrives in the Forest and Celtic colonists start to make iron utensils and weaponry, using the 'Bloomery' charcoal process. Source: Belcher
Celtic colonists exploit the rich veins of iron ore emerging on the 'crease limestone' outcrops on the edges of the Forest of Dean basin. Source: Belcher
The Angles and Saxons colonise the Forest. Source: Belcher
The Forest of Dean eventually becomes a Royal Forest under the 'English' kings. The word 'Denu' (Dean) comes into use, meaning a 'valley with a stream'. Source: Belcher
Offa, King of Mercia, builds his huge dyke of over 120 miles in length, beginning at the confluence of the Rivers Severn and Wye, along the Forest edge and then north as far as North Wales. Source: Belcher
