From Pasture Woodland, via Deer Park and Common, to Cultural Severance: A Case Study of the Commons of Ashampstead, Berkshire

Abstract

This chapter looks at the history of the site at Ashampstead in Berkshire from prehistoric times. It sets it in context with other sites on the Berkshire Downs and the Chiltern Dip Slope. It will consider the possible influence of the Statute of Merton on this site and neighbouring sites and the consequential effects throughout its history. It examines how the various uses have affected the flora of the site and how plant distributions may be used to interpret the history. Finally it considers the disconnection from its historical uses, the result of this on the vegetation and likely scenarios for its future.