The Epping Forest community has its roots as the private estate of an English doctor, Arthur Drevar, who bought this plot of land along the Severn River in 1874. Dr. Drevar and his wife were the sole proprietors of the land for 50 years and as such, the park and trail known by his name remain part of today’s Epping Forest.
In 1926, a development firm called Severn Shores Inc. bought the land and dubbed it Epping Forest because of the affinity for the legacy Epping and Sherwood Forests in England. In its early days, Epping Forest was strictly a summer community with a bathing beach and bath house on the shores of Epping Park, a community picnic ground where the early Oyster Roasts and Fish Fries were held to entice visitors.
Two important milestones occurred in 1928 as the residents voted to make Epping Forest a private community and formed the Epping Forest Club. — Severn Shores, Inc. deeded to Epping Forest Club all parks, path, lanes and a parcel of land on which to build a clubhouse as well as a number of lots to be sold to finance road construction. In addition, the residents built the Waterworks to serve the community. At that time, water was provided only during the summer months. The early Foresters worked quickly to complete the building of the club house and pier which were officially dedicated on the final day of a three-day Labor Day celebration, September 3, 1928.
History tells us that it was in the 1950’s that Epping Forest grew into a full-time place of residence from its early days as a summer cottage community. Around this time (circa 1957) the Maryland state legislature passed a measure making Epping Forest a special tax district whereby the community now provides for most of the infrastructure services other than emergency and trash removal services provided by Anne Arundel County.
Epping Forest today is a mix of updated original cottages and large homes nestled within a ‘forest’ of trees and surrounded by water – water-facing properties boast their own piers and boat slips while the Epping Forest Boat Club manages a community marina.
Multi-generational families have made Epping Forest their home and preserve the rich history of this community. Self-governed by an elected Board and served by committees, clubs and franchises the residents of Epping Forest care for the community property and facilities. There are celebrations year round, activities for all and an espirit de corps amongst the Epping Forest Historical Committee that ensures the treasures of Epping are preserved and carried on.