The Skimmington Riots in the Forest of Dean

On ‘Lady Day’, 25 March 1631, a crowd in Mailscot Wood, near Symonds Yat, pulled down enclosure hedges and attacked strangers working in coal pits, before staging an event known as ‘The burying of Skimmington’ by throwing an effigy of Sir Giles Mompesson, one of King Charles I’s favourites, into a pit and filling it in. Riots against enclosures spread to the centre of the Forest of Dean and other Forests in the west of England and continued for more than a year, despite many attempts by royal authority to stop them.

While the reasons for the riots are clear, what did ‘Skimmington’ mean? In this illustrated talk, historian Owen Adams explain the carnivalesque nature of Skimmington and the power wielded through this festive character by taking a wider look at the Forest, its landscape, folk justice and historical contexts.

Please note that space in our upstairs Gallery is limited. To be sure of a seat, please book in advance using the ‘RSVP’ option below.