William gave a comprehensive and engaging talk explaining how Kingswood Chase was divided into areas where associated names survive to this day.

He started by giving some background on the Forest of Kingswood which was administered from Bristol Castle with charges for digging coal. In 1228 it became disforested and became Kings Chase. Anyone digging coal or clay had to obtain a licence from the Crown.

Between 1610 and 1750 mining rights were claimed in the coalfield and the land became demarketed and formed into partitions called ‘Liberties’. They are shown on a famous map dated 1779 by Daniel Cook, which was transferred from an original plan of Mr Player dated 1750.

Those who claimed Liberties included Arthur Player of Downend. This was for iron ore and smelting. John Newton of Barrs Court, Lord Stafford (ancestor of the Duke of Buckingham), John Symes Berkeley of Stoke Park, Samuel Whittuck of Hanham Hall and Thomas Chester of Knole House Almondsbury to name but a few.

Technically, a Liberty was a legal term, giving unique legal autonomy, tax exemptions and the need to pay for a licence from the Crown.

The talk was finished with engaging questions from the audience which William fielded admirably.