Historical Hot Spot of the Week!
Today's historical hot spot is the Rufus Stone, deep in the heart of the New Forest in Hampshire. I had the pleasure of a week's holiday in the New Forest last month and it was absolutely wonderful; peaceful, relaxing, the perfect place to unwind and read lots of good books. We visited the Rufus Stone on a frosty morning when no one else was about. The forest has a very strong, historic atmosphere, and never more so than when standing on the spot where one of the least likeable of English kings was killed hundreds of years ago. According to the New Forest website, it was in this very place ( allegedly , but let's not spoil the story by quibbling over location) in 1100AD that William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror, was killed by an arrow whilst on a hunting expedition. No one like William II very much. Apparently he was given the nickname Rufus because he had red hair and a ruddy complexion but he also had a vile temper and treated people very badly. On August 2nd 1100 ...