The Forest Charter

The Forest Charter was a historic document granted in 1217 by King Henry III of England. It aimed to regulate the use of royal forests—areas reserved for hunting and royal privileges—by establishing legal rights for landowners and commoners. The charter limited the king's ability to restrict access, prohibited illegal hunting, and protected local people's rights to gather firewood, pasture animals, and use the forest resources. Essentially, it balanced royal authority with the rights of local communities, helping prevent the misuse of royal forest laws. The Forest Charter is an early step toward modern legal protections for property rights and resource access.