It’s a legendary Nottinghamshire story more recent than Robin Hood and arguably just as violent as the outlaw’s adventures.
But far fewer people have heard of the Rufford Park Poachers and their mass brawl with gamekeepers in Nottinghamshire in 1851.
Around 40 poachers assembled at Rufford Park, near Ollerton, as part of an action against what they saw as unfair control of game by wealthy landowners.
They were confronted by ten gamekeepers and a mass brawl ensued, which led to the death of one man and serious injuries to others.
Many of the poachers later faced imprisonment and deportation and the tale of the fight spread far and wide in the pubs and back streets of working-class 19th century England.
Although several books have since been written and even folk songs, the story still lags far behind the county’s famous outlaw and tales of King John in Sherwood Forest.
But local amateur historian Sam Millard is bringing the poachers’ tale to life with a series of public talks – complete with a replica of a giant flail which would have been used by the gamekeeper gang.
He also uses the Rufford Park Poachers folk song to tell the story.
Passed down through generations, the song recently won over new folk fans after a recording of Joseph Taylor reciting it in 1908 was uploaded online.
Extract from Rufford Park Poachers – the folk song which immortalised the story
A buck or doe, believe it so, a pheasant or a hare
Was sent on earth for everyone quite equal for to share
So poacher bold, as I unfold, keep up your gallant heart
And think about those poachers bold, that night in Rufford Park
Sam’s demonstration and talk at venues including Mansfield Library have drawn hundreds of listeners.
“It’s just something I found an interest in, and first of all you have to find where you start – and then it’s a matter of deciding when you stop,” said Sam.
“I haven’t found that point yet, because I haven’t yet found all the words of the original song.
“They are out there somewhere.”
