A triangular cast-iron marker set among oaks in the heart of the forest, near the village of Brook, marks the spot where King William II is said to have died. The original stone was replaced in 1841 with the current iron monument. It is an easy stop — a small car park sits a short walk away — and the surrounding woodland is good for a short stroll.
Rufus Stone
Iron marker where King William II was killed hunting in 1100
A story
William Rufus (William II) was killed near this spot on 2 August 1100 while hunting. An arrow struck him — fired by Walter Tirel, according to most accounts — and he died without an heir. His brother Henry was in the forest the same day and rode immediately to Winchester to seize the treasury. Whether it was accident or assassination has never been settled.