Knaresborough Forest Day
Knaresborough is steeped in history, with its gorge, castle and ancient forest.
The enclosures act of 1770, when the forest was divided, brought an end to the royal forest of Knaresborough which spanned a vast area west and south of the town.
The 13th august 1770 was the date when commissioners and local people met at the borough bailiff, now the commercial hotel in Knaresborough, to discuss the implications of the enclosures act.
The 13th of august 2025 will be the 255th anniversary of the 1770 enclosures act - a time in history when the enclosures took away the people’s right to access the forest and common land.
We propose to make 13th august 2025 ‘Knaresborough Forest Day’ to commemorate the enclosure of the forest through the enclosure act 1770, and to celebrate how things have moved on - the rebirth of the ancient Royal Forest of Knaresborough (2025 – 2020).
‘Knaresborough Forest Day’ will be an annual event when all things to do with our town’s green spaces, the forest and nature surrounding the Nidd and castle are celebrated.
As a prelude to the 255th anniversary of the enclosures act in 2025, Wednesday 13th august this year 2024 - which falls within the famous Knaresborough feva festival, will see various local organisations commemorating ‘Knaresborough Forest Day’, remembering and celebrating the ancient forest of Knaresborough through activities and events for all the family, workshops and walks.
