Forest of Dean Heritage Open Days

The Office of Deputy Gaveller is unique to the Forest of Dean, currently held by Daniel Howell He is the Monarch’s representative who deals with many issues in connection with the gales and mines within the Forest.

The Deputy Gaveller maintains the official register of free miners and is responsible for the administration and collection of mineral royalties from the worked gales. A gale is an area within the Hundred of St. Briavels and may cover coal, stone, iron ore and ochre which is worked by a freeminer. To become a freeminer one must have been born within the Hundred of St. Briavels and worked in a gale for a year and a day.
This tradition goes back to King Edward III, being a gift following the siege of Berwick on Tweed. This right continues in spite of coal no longer being a popular choice for heating due to the emission of carbon dioxide.

Timings

Friday 06 September

10.00; 12.00; 14.00

Monday 09 September

10.00; 12.00; 14.00

Location & directions

Bank House, Bank Street, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8BA

Directions:

Within 100 metres of the traffic lights near the centre of the town. Town centre parking is charged for. Limited parking at the Forestry England office.

Contact on day:

Janet Marrott

Telephone number:

+441594836469

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

The office is on the first floor of the building and is only capable of holding a small number of people

Booking contact name:

Janet Marrott

Booking telephone number:

+441594836469

Booking email:

info@main-place.org.uk

Booking website:

BOOK HERE

Booking opens:

06 Aug 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

05 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The office is on the first floor of the Forestry England offices.

Additional information

Daniel has a great deal of information available together with original documents of great interest.

Max no of people per tour:

5

Est. tour duration:

1 hours