The arden is a large forest near Stratford-upon-Avon in England. It was once thickly wooded and gave the area its name, ardu (British: ‘high’). The forest is also sometimes called ‘Arden’ by locals in homage to Shakespeare’s mother, Mary Arden.
The forest is located mainly in Warwickshire, but it extends into neighbouring counties of Staffordshire and Worcestershire. The forest was once a densely wooded frontier that was home to many native and exotic animals, such as wolves, bears and eagles.
It was also the location of some important battles, such as the Battle of Camp Hill in 1642 during the English Civil War. Robert Catesby, leader of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, was a native of Lapworth, a village in the arden.
At its heart the arden was a thickly forested area, which was surrounded by Roman roads and a prehistoric salt track. The area was still largely unpopulated in the Domesday Book of 1086, with a few Iron Age hill forts and a handful of Roman forts scattered throughout the area including Henley-in-Arden and Coleshill, as well as Ulverlei in the west of the forest.
There were also medieval era settlements in the forest, including Coughton Court where an ancient wayside cross still exists to this day. This was a site where travellers would pray for safe passage before entering the forest.
The area was a hotbed of political conflict during the Middle Ages, as a number of major battles and other events took place in the area, such as the Battle of Castle Coombe in 1290. In the sixteenth century the forest became heavily enclosed and deforested.
It is a popular area for tourism, particularly in the summer. The forest is home to several parks and gardens, as well as the Forest of Arden Hotel and Country Club.
This is one of the most historic areas in the world, and is a wonderful place to spend time exploring, relaxing and enjoying nature. In addition, the arden offers a range of activities that are ideal for families with children and adults of all ages.
The arden is a great place for people to live, work and play, and is an excellent example of what is possible when you take a little time to think about your community. Whether you are an existing resident or a visitor, you are welcome to participate in the Re-Envision process of the West Arden Arcade area.
The Re-Envision process will help shape the future of the West Arden Arcade by exploring transportation and development concepts for the area. The final plan will provide a vision for how the area can be improved, creating safer and more appealing walking, biking, and driving conditions. It is a great way to be involved in your community and give back!