The Vale of the White Hart is an ancient legend given to us by a reader who wishes to dedicate it to the two white stags she found beheaded at Black Ford and Marston Magna earlier this month.

Blackmore Vale was once known as The Vale of the White Hart, and here, our anonymous writer reveals its mystery. She tells New Blackmore Vale news editor Karen Bate: “I was encouraged a few years ago that this beautiful and true ancient legend would survive and people would respect the wild creatures after this story was told to the many school children in the area. Perhaps we should now re-introduce the name ‘The Vale of the White Hart’ to bring back the goodness upon the land and honour our stories. We all need to remember we are all the custodians of this land, to honour and respect everything and everyone in it.”

Many years ago in the Ancient Forests of Britannia, when a squirrel could travel from Penselwood to London without touching the ground, it is written that a great King lived in the forest of the Vale of the White Hart, an area known today as the Blackmore Vale.
A white hart roamed free and was occasionally seen between Buckshaw and Melbury Bub.
To catch a glimpse of the white hart was said to bring blessings upon the land and to those who saw him.

One day, the King, who is believed to be King Richard II, was hunting near Holwell when his dogs picked up a scent. The huntsmen followed and found a net which was cast across the forest.
The King dismounted and found the white hart trapped in the net. The King looked deep into the eyes of this majestic creature and a hush fell upon the forest.
The King stood transfixed, unable to move or fire his bow. Time stood still as his epiphany was witnessed by all those present.
From that moment, the white hart was decreed the Royal Favourite, never to be killed, a sign of God’s grace. And as long as this creature roamed free, everything would be good upon the land and for its people.

As it is with stories, there came along a rich man who loved hunting and did not believe how the King saved the life of the white hart. This hunter was said to be Sir John de la Lynde, who adorned his walls with animal trophies.

He wanted the white stag and had tried many times to catch the creature, but to no avail – that is, until one day he rode to Holwell. His huntsmen caught sight of the white stag and a great chase ensued across the open land to Pulham, high to Anstey Cross and across a path, now known as Hare Foot Lane, where Lynde found fresh tracks heading north.
The white hart had doubled back and was heading to the forest. The hunters made chase towards the forest to cut him off.

Now John de la Lynde knew the white hart would try and trick them by heading to the Lydden River, so as dusk fell, they made for the river. And there on the riverbank stood the white hart. In a gruesome attack, Lynde struck the white hart around its neck with his hunting knife and, as he raised his arm, he found a golden ring about his knife.

The white hart disappeared but this golden ring bearing an ancient inscription remained. A sense of dread and foreboding washed over Lynde. News reached the King who summoned Lynde to London, ordering him to bring the golden ring. ‘What is this I hear?’ said the King. ‘My royal favourite the white hart has been killed for your pleasure? Off to the tower of London with you, until my wise men can decipher what is written.’

The inscription is the same as the words on a sign outside the Green Man pub in King Stag…

When Julius Caesar Landed Here’


I was then a little deer


When Julius Caesar Reigned King

Round my neck he placed this ring


Whosoe’er shall Me O’ ertake,

Spare my life For Caesar’s Sake.’

From that day forth, the white hart was deemed even more magical.
Eventually the King released Lynde from the Tower, but not before charging him a substantial fine, and stating from that day forth Lynde and his family would pay this same amount to the Crown forever.

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