Hainault's First Farmer

John Alison

The House of Commons passed a Bill in 1819 for the disafforestation of Hainault Forest which got thrown out by the House of Lords. When the Government approached this issue again, it knew felling of Hainault trees would be unpopular, so instead of dragging feet as normally done in such Parliamentary matters, they pushed the 1851 Act of Disafforestation through with utmost, some would say 'obscene' haste, totally ignoring the public outcry. Many considered the destruction of Hainault Forest to be state sponsored vandalism. Others backed the scheme, eager to clear land for farming. John Alison, a keen supporter of the Bill, rubbed hands together in delight when the trees started falling because he envisaged great profit in the venture.

New farms were to be built on Crown property and rented out by the Woods and Forests Department. In May 1853, 24,714 Oak trees, 3,377 Oak pollards, and 86,679 Hornbeam pollards stood on the allotment to be cleared. In addition many parts of the forest were covered in thick undergrowth. The soil was waterlogged to such a degree as to require a proper system of drainage before it could be profitably occupied for farming purposes. Four miles of public highway had to be created and the Crown was required to enclose the allotment and fence it from the roads.

The Allotment was placed under control of Commissioner Charles Gore. The only work required by the Act of Parliament that had been started when he took over was the preparation of timber for fences. Tenders were immediately obtained for building of roads and main drains. Work on these began in August 1853 and completion followed in October 1854.