The Wollstoncraft family moved to Epping Forest and then to Barking, Essex, in 1765. These locations provided her with a connection to nature and a respite from her father's temper and alcoholism. 

Epping Forest:

Epping Forest, located on the border between Greater London and Essex, was a significant area of ancient woodland during the late 1700s. Epping Forest was designated a royal forest, meaning it was reserved for hunting by the monarchy. This status helped preserve its natural environment; this was also benifitial to the animal rights movement also occuring. The forest was managed as common land, where local landowners had rights over timber and local commoners had grazing rights. Despite its royal status, the forest was accessible to the public, and local recreational users played a crucial role in preserving it when it faced threats of enclosure in the late 19th century.

“County of Essex: Barking | British History Online.” British-History.ac.uk, 2025, www.british-history.ac.uk/london-environs/vol4/pp55-110. Accessed 4 May 2025.

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