THE origin of Ringwood is speculation until further excavations provide more evidence. Documents state that in 955 AD RIMUCWUDE is mentioned which translates into the Rim of the Forest.
Bridge Over River Avon
Monmouth House, West Street
Ringwood’s development in those early days was dependant on the River Avon for its Mills and the Forest for the fuel for industry. The Domesday Book of 1086 indicates that there was a church and mill in the settlement.
Slowly the town grew until in 1226 King Henry III granted the Lord of the Manor the right to hold a market in Ringwood on Wednesdays, which of course still happens today.
However it was not until Edward Vi’s reign that it was confirmed in 1553. The market became renowned as the main centre for produce sales in the Avon and Stour areas and for Forest ponies.
Added to this two “fair days” dates were also confirmed on St Peters Day 29th June and St Andrews Day 30th November.
In 1752 when the calendar changed these dates changed to 10th July and 11th December and were highlights in Ringwood’s year right up until the 2nd World War.
Ringwood became nationally famous in 1685 when the Duke of Monmouth was imprisoned in the house of that name in West Street after he had been captured in the Horton area following his disastrous defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor.
He was eventually transferred to and executed in London. Shortly afterwards Dame Alice Lisle was supposed to have harboured fugitives from the Monmouth Rebellion in her house at Moyles Court and the subsequent trial at Winchester by the infamous Judge Jeffreys of the Bloody Assize, sentenced her to be burned at the stake but then King James II committed this to be beheaded. Her gravestone is on the right of the Ellingham Church door in the churchyard.
In 1725 the Ringwood Brewing industry took off with Carters Brewery making use of the ideal water from the Avon for making good beer. The town became renowned for the quality of its ales from the several breweries in the area.
