Bordwood Forest, Isle of Wight

Historical Description

Bordwood Forest, an ancient forest in the eastern part of the Isle of Wight, on the S side of Main river, 1½ mile W of Sandown. It was given by Henry V. to Philippa, Duchess of York, and was long a noble hunting-ground, well stocked with deer and other game. The last " Lady" of the island, Isabella de Fortibus, had a hunting-seat in it on a knoll, which still retains the name of Queen's Bower. The best timber in the island was obtained from it, but now scarcely one large tree of it exists.