The boundaries through the forest and Bokerley Dyke which separated Somerset and Dorset from eastern counties may date to the fifth or sixth centuries. Selwood's importance as a boundary was also recognised in 705 when the bishopric of Sherborne was established for those "west of Selwood".
The boundaries between Somerset and Dorset, and their separation from eastern counties, were established around the fifth or sixth centuries. The significance of Selwood as a boundary was recognized in 705 when the bishopric of Sherborne was created for those residing west of Selwood.