History
Commonwealth Cemetary
courtesy of Chris Blackburn
Perhaps the most significant pre-historic feature on Cannock Chase is the Iron Age hill-fort at Castle Ring, dating back to around 2,500 years ago.
In 1189, Richard I granted the Chase to the Bishop of Lichfield for use as a hunting reserve. Wooded and surrounded by large areas of heathland, the area was vital for fuel, building materials, tool making and grazing sheep, cattle and pigs.
The Middle Ages saw small-scale industry on the Chase - blast furnaces and iron production. Woodland was cleared and animal grazing prevented tree seedlings re-growing. As mature trees died out, soils deteriorated and more heathland developed. An exception to the move towards agriculture was the creation of ornamental parks at Shugborough and Beaudesert.
During the 19 th century, industry expanded. Landowners invested in mining, quarrying, canals and railways and the population around Cannock Chase grew.
World Wars I and II brought further changes to the Chase. Bases, a hospital and prisoner of war camps were built and a railway supply route developed. Only remnants still exist, but the German and Commonwealth military cemeteries act as reminders.