All Round the Wrekin - The Royal Forest

Hugh Le Scot

Hugh Le Scot fell foul of the law in the Wrekin Forest when he was reported at the Forest Assizes of 1209, after the County Sergeants found Venison in his house. Le Scot fled to a local Church, where he was later questioned by forest officials and admitted to killing a doe (with the assistance of another man, Roger de Wellinton). After seeking refuge for one month, Le Scot disguised himself as a woman and promptly escaped! At the time of the trial, both men were still at large and faced the prospect of being outlawed for their misdemeanours.