Rufus Stone — Attraction in New Forest

William the I had four sons, Richard, Robert, William and Henry. Richard died in a hunting accident in the New Forest leaving the other three brothers. When William I died he left Normandy to Robert, he left England to William and Henry was left nothing in his Will. William II reigned for 13 years, he was out hunting with his brother Henry when one of Henry's followers mistook William for a stag and shot and killed him with an arrow. Henry raced to Winchester and within days had had himself crowned king, the crown to which should have gone to his older brother Robert. Williams body was left in the forest for several days and it was only because of some local people that it was taken for burial in Winchester cathedral. Somewhere on or around this spot is...

For those interested in history, the sign marked spot of a significant event. The death of William 'Rufus' II (son of the conqueror), during hunting in the New Forest. Was it just an accident? Perhaps not.

His death led to his younger brother Henry I taking the throne. What followed Henry, was the White Ship disaster, the Anarchy and the Angevin 'empire'. If William wasn't killed on this spot, the history of the wider region could've been very different.

All that aside, it is just a modern sign on the spot, with a car park. For those not interested in history, you can head the pub...

History! Definitely a place to stop off at and take a breather and read the information. Enchanting, a place of beauty in the New Forest. Breath in the forest air & read the facts from the stone. I wonder what the original was like? This memorial is not likely to go anywhere, it's solid! I highly recommend it for budding historians and as a place to stop off on your return from Dorset or a stop off on your journey down. Maybe, just a trip to The New Forest. Surrounded by ponies, cattle, wild boar . Drive slowly! If I say anymore, I will give it away....