Title

[14a] Rufus Stone, New Forest, England [front]

Creator

Architect/Sculptor of Monument

Unknown

Student Author

Christopher Bickell

Preview

Identifier

14a

Medium

Carte-de-visite

Keywords

Rufus Stone, William II of England, New Forest, English Legend, William II death, English Monarchy, Norman England, William I

Physical Dimensions

58 mm x 84 mm

Date of Publication

Mid-1800s

Name of Monument

Rufus Stone

Date of Creation of Monument

1741

Date of Completion or Dedication of Monument

1845

City of Monument

New Forest

State/Province of Monument

Hampshire

Country of Monument

England

Description

The monument marks the alleged spot where King William II (reigned 1087-1100), also known as “Rufus”, was killed by a member of his own hunting party in 1100. This Rufus Stone has stood since 1745, although the iron casing around the stone was erected in 1841 to prevent vandalism and erosion. While surrounded by mystery and myth, his death by arrow at the hands of Lord Walter Tirel while hunting is well-documented and remains one of the greatest royal mysteries of England, and we may never know if it was accidental or planned. The monument’s inscription details William’s demise, and that his body was taken to be buried at Winchester Cathedral.

School of Art/Architecture

Neoclassical Architecture

Digital Date

1-19-2022