The triangular shaped Rufus Stone is an important historical site for the New Forest National Park. It was erected in 1745 by Lord Delaware to mark the approximate and alleged spot where the ruthless and very unpopular King William II (nicknamed 'Rufus' because of his ruddy complexion) was fatally wounded by an arrow shot by Sir Walter Tyrrell, while hunting on 2nd August 1100. The arrow was aimed at a Stag but rebounded off an Oak tree and struck the King in the chest. It is said that Sir Walter Tyrrell fled the scene after the event, so was this really a hunting accident or murder? The corpse of the King was taken to Winchester Cathedral by a local charcoal burner named Purkis, on the back of his cart.
Rufus was the third son of King William I (William the Conqueror) and reigned England with an iron fist from 1087 until his death in 1100. Rufus never married and had no children, so after his death his younger brother Henry claimed the throne, just three days later.
Although William II was a very unpopular king, both he and his father were responsible for the most important book in English history, the Domesday book.
Due to damage, the Rufus Stone was clad in an iron coat in 1841 which has prevented any further damage. The stone is inscribed on all three sides and can be found near Stoney Cross at Canterton just off the A31 in Hampshire.
