This book is a study of life in a New Forest village during the 17th Century, primarily drawing on research of both the locality and the New Forest.

Minstead, although surrounded by Crown held lands on all sides, maintained certain rights of its own outside the Forest Law.

New research material has been incorporated to give an overview on what may prove to be a 'typical' community of the time. Sections are devoted to describing farming, housing, food, clothing and occupations.