Deer parks were recorded in Rockingham Forest as far back as the Doomsday Book of 1086.

( In the 17th year of Charles 1,s reign…) Rockingham Forest is well nigh 14 miles in length , that is from the West End of Middleton Woods to the Top of Wansford Town. The breadth of it in the upper part from Brigstock to the Bend of the River Welland below Gretton is 5 miles. In the lower part from the Banke of The River Nyne (Nene) below Yarwell , to that of of the Welland below Duddington is very near as much , and these as the Boundaries of The Forest now stand are the broadest parts of it , but before that Liveden and other adjacent Towns were dis forested ,it was much broader.

Of the Forest, in general it is said , and that with great reason that it is one of the largest and richest in the whole of the Kingdom.

( John Moreton : The Natural History Of Northamptonshire , 1712 )

The forests covered large parts of Northamptonshire and were vital in providing food and shelter. Native beasts of the forests were categorised by the Normans to provide sport as well as food to the Nobility and Clergy (and possibly a few poachers!)

Beasts of the Forest; the Hart, the Hind, the Hare, Wild Boar and Wolves!

Beast of the Chase; the Buck, the Doe, the Fox, the Marten and the Roe

Beasts of the Warren; Coney (Rabbit), Pheasant, Partridge,