Jacqueline Eggleston joined Epping Forest in March 2015 as Head of Visitor Services and was promoted to Head of Business Development in 2023. In December 2023, she was promoted to Superintendent (Assistant Director of the Environment Department at the City of London Corporation), which was made permanent in March 2025.
During her time at Epping Forest, Jacqueline has skilfully led teams in multiple disciplines to manage the 8,000 acre landholding with more than 11 million visitors each year. She has led on external relations, initiated policy development, authored management strategies and related industry publications. Jacqueline has overseen the charity’s communications and PR, political and government relations and overseen commercial development, including income generation and grant funding for multi-million pound projects. She has also been responsible for the operational management of listed buildings and parks, visitor centres, sports facilities, paths and infrastructure and conservation, with more than 100 staff under management and hundreds more volunteers.
Prior to joining the City of London Corporation, Jacqueline worked for the London Borough of Redbridge, leading major projects and managing their culture and heritage services. Jacqueline has played a key role in re-setting the strategy and management plans, redesigning and recruiting a workforce fit for the future and winning support of the many local charities and volunteers who support the delivery of our vision for Epping Forest.
The Superintendent of Epping Forest is responsible for the management of a team of attested constables, with policing powers to arrest, detain and to uphold the byelaws set out by Parliament in the Epping Forest Act 1878 (and subsequent amendments). The first Superintendent of the Epping Forest Keepers was William D’Oyley, pr eviously the City Surveyor. Jacqueline is the first female to hold the role of Epping Forest Superintendent. You can read more on her comments here.
The Freedom dates back to 1284, when it issued the freedom to trade, the freedom to not pay taxes and the freedom to pass on wealth when you die. Today, the ceremony is predominantly symbolic, used as a tool to recognise excellence and service to the City of London, continuing its proud traditions for generations to come.
My sincere congratulations to Jacqueline. We are very lucky to have her working with us at the City of London Corporation and long may that continue!
You can hear more about the Freedom Ceremony from former Clerk to the Chambelain’s Court, Murray Craig, below:
