Rufus Stone
A monument marking where King William II was fatally struck by an arrow while hunting in 1100, a testament to the royal hunting history of the New Forest.
In August 1100, William II, son of William the Conqueror and nicknamed “Rufus” (“the red-faced”), was killed by a stray arrow while hunting in the New Forest. Legend says the arrow, shot by Sir Walter Tyrrel, was deflected by an oak tree. The Rufus Stone stands at the legendary site of the incident. The original 18th-century stone is now protected by a wrought-iron enclosure, and its inscription recounts the event. The surrounding area is open woodland, and nearby is the historic Sir Walter Tyrrel pub. Located on the north side of the A31 road, it is free to visit and takes little time, so it's a convenient stop along the way.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Minstead & Furzey Gardens
- Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary
- Knightwood Oak
- St Michael and All Angels Church, Lyndhurst
- Lyndhurst
- Rhinefield Ornamental Drive & Tall Trees Trail
- Paultons Park (Peppa Pig World)
- Brockenhurst