Museums, archives and heritage in Hampshire

Hampshire, Hants, or Southampton, maritime county, in S. of England; bounded N. by Berks, E. by Surrey and Sussex, S. by the English Channel, and W. by Wilts and Dorset; greatest length, N. to S., 46 miles; greatest breadth, E. to W., 46 miles; 1,037,764 acres, population 593,470. (The figures of ac. and pop. include the Isle of Wight.) Hampshire is undulating, finely wooded, and fruitful. Its coast line is very irregular, the principal indentation being Southampton Water. From Surrey and Sussex, NE. to Wilts and Berks, two ranges of chalk hills, known as the North and South Downs, traverse the co. In the W. is the New Forest, and in the SE. are the Forests of Bere and Waltham Chase. The Avon, Exe, Test, Itching, and Hamble are the chief rivers. The county is noted for its agriculture, the wheat of Hampshire being especially prized. Upon the Downs are reared large flocks of the variety of sheep known as ‘Hampshire Downs’ or ‘short wools’. Pig breeding, and the curing of bacon, have long been large and lucrative branches of the county’s industry. The mineral resources are meagre; and, except in large coast towns, such as Portsmouth and Gosport, the manufactures also are unimportant. The shipping, however, is very extensive. Hampshire (with the Isle of Wight) comprises 38 hundreds, 12 liberties, 349 parishes, with parts of 3 others, the parliamentary and municipal boroughs of Portsmouth, Southampton, and Winchester, the parliamentary borough of Christchurch, and the municipal boroughs of Audover, Basingstoke, Lymington, Newport, Romsey, and Ryde. It is almost entirely in the diocese of Winchester.

– John Bartholomew, Gazetteer of the British Isles (1887)

Note: Until 1890 the county included the Isle of Wight.

1642 Living History Village

Little Woodham Lane, Howe Road, Rowner

Gosport PO12 2HH

02392 522944.

www.littlewoodham.org.uk

A unique pattern woven in the fabric of time. Within the Parish of Rowner, surrounded by woodland, the village of Little Woodham exists to educate both children and adults about 17th century rural life in the South of England. In the April of 1642 the King of England, Charles Stuart and his Parliament stood on the eve of Civil War. Using extensively researched local events and people the villagers link their families and their lives to national and international events. During your tour you will meet ‘villagers’, interpreters dressed in period costume. Little Woodham’s living history interpreters involve you and your children in their daily lives.

Action Stations at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HM Naval Base

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

02392 839766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Action Stations is a hi-tech visitor attraction that offers visitors of all ages an insight into the modern day Royal Navy. As well as two climbing exhibits, a laser weapons range, a Merlin Flight Simulator and a 6-axis motion simulator, Action Stations also boasts a 275 seat auditorium for the daily showings of ‘Command Approved’ (Cert PG.)

Adjutant General’s Corps Museum

Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road

Winchester SO23 8TP

01962 877826

www.winchestermilitarymuseums.co.uk

The museum seeks to tell the story of personnel administration and pay, policing and detention, education, legal matters and women in the Army by using the collections of the antecedent corps.

Aldershot Military Museum

Queens Avenue

Aldershot GU11 2LG

0845 603 5635

www.hants.gov.uk/aldershot-museum

The museum collections are housed in four historically rich buildings. The two main galleries (which are the only two remaining Victorian Infantry barrack blocks left in Aldershot) tell the military and civilian stories of Aldershot, Farnborough and Cove.

Andover Museum

6 Church Close

Andover SP10 1DP

0845 603 5635

www.hants.gov.uk/andover-museum

Andover Museum tells the rich and fascinating story of Andover and the surrounding area. It displays natural history, archaeology and social history, including the story of the notorious Andover workhouse scandal and the Weyhill Fair, once the largest sheep sale in the country.

Army Medical Services Museum

Keogh Barracks, Ash Vale

Aldershot GU12 5RQ

01252 868612

www.ams-museum.org.uk

The four collections of the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC), Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC), Royal Army Dental Corps (RADC) and Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC) are held at the AMS Museum in Keogh Barracks, Mytchett in Surrey. The museum tells the tale of army medicine and healthcare, human and animal, from the English Civil War to the current day as AMS personnel continue to serve across the globe as part of the British Army.

Army Physical Training Corps Museum

Queen’s Avenue

Aldershot GU11 2LB

01252 24431 x 2168

www.rushmoor.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=205

The Army Physical Training Corps Museum display includes pictorial records, militaria and gymnastic equipment used from the very first Army Physical Training Course held at Oxford University in 1860 to the present day.

Basing House

FREE car park address, Barton’s Lane, Old Basing, Basingstoke

Basingstoke RG24 8AE

01256 463965

www.basinghouse.org.uk

Visited by Henry VIII, besieged by Cromwell… Discover the many stories of Basing House, a nationally important historical site that has undergone re-development. See the new Visitor Centre, the Great Barn with audio/ visual presentation, audio guide, refreshments, museum and an exciting events programme.

Bishop’s Waltham Museum

The Farmhouse, Bishop’s Waltham Palace

Bishop’s Waltham SO32 1DH

01489 895428

www.bishopswalthammuseum.org.uk

Small local museum, a registered charity run by volunteers. Housed in the Farmhouse at Bishop’s Waltham Palace.

Bishop’s Waltham Palace – English Heritage

Bishop’s Waltham SO32 1DH

01962 854 766

goo.gl/wH42oa

The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese. Winchester was the richest diocese in England, and its properties were grandiose and extravagantly appointed. Much of what can be seen today is the work of William Wykeham, who was bishop from 1367. The ground floor of the farmhouse is occupied by the Bishop’s Waltham Town Museum. Other palaces of the Bishops of Winchester include Farnham Castle Keep and Wolvesey Castle (Old Bishop’s Palace).

Bitterne Local History Society, Heritage & Research Centre

225 Peartree Avenue, Bitterne

Southampton SO19 7RD

www.bitterne.net

The society was formed in 1981 when a by-pass cut its way through the heart of the old village. Now we offer a museum containing artefacts from some of those shops that sadly met their demise more than 25 years ago. Clearly our interest was centred on Bitterne but we cater for all areas of Southampton east of the Itchen.

Buckler’s Hard

Beaulieu

Brockenhurst SO42 7XB

01590 614645

www.bucklershard.co.uk

Buckler’s Hard is a picturesque 18th century village on the banks of the Beaulieu River in the heart of the New Forest. Historically, it is famed as the place where some of the ships of Nelson’s fleet were built, but whether your interest is as a visitor – as an individual, family, group or educational party – or as a sailor wishing to moor in the River, the things to see and enjoy are as varied as the history of the area itself.

Collections: There is the Buckler’s Hard Story and cottage displays to be seen. Visitors can stay in the village at the Master Builders House Hotel, or you can just enjoy the natural beauty of this historic village.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum

Swanwick Lane, Swanwick

Southampton SO31 7HB

01489 576248

www.bursledonbrickworks.org.uk

The only remaining steam driven brickworks in the country, we show how brick making made the leap from small scale production to 20 million bricks a year.

Collections: Bursledon Brickworks Conservation Centre contains exhibitions and displays covering the history of the brickworks, traditional building materials and conservation practice.

Bursledon Windmill

Windmill Lane, Bursledon

Southampton SO31 8BG

0845 603 5635

www.hants.gov.uk/windmill

Visit this restored ‘tower’ mill and discover how the windmill works. Explore the other buildings on the site: Chineham Barn, rescued from demolition, houses the ticket office and other visitor facilities. Hiltingbury granary, stores the grain.

Butser Ancient Farm

Chalton Lane, Chalton

Waterlooville PO8 0BG

023 9259 8838

www.butserancientfarm.co.uk

An experimental archaeological site of worldwide standing, open seven days a week (most of the year) to the public and schools. Displaying on-going constructions of buildings based on real sites, crops from prehistory, and rare breeds of animals. Exploring ancient technologies, and allowing ‘hands on’ activities for visitors.

Centre for Archaeology – English Heritage

Portsmouth PO4 9LD

023 9285 6700

English Heritage’s Centre for Archaeology at Fort Cumberland, near Portsmouth, was established in 1999 by bringing together the Central Archaeology Service, already based in Portsmouth, and the Ancient Monuments Laboratory, relocated from London. CfA was set up with the aim of becoming a national centre of excellence in archaeological practice, integrating work in the field, stratigraphic analysis, finds studies and work in the laboratory; it provides a resource for English archaeology, working in partnership with units, universities and amateur groups, and a source of help and advice on policy and casework for colleagues within English Heritage.

Challenge at Aldershot – Military & Aerospace Museums

Wavell House, Cavans Road

Aldershot GU11 2LQ

01252 210480

The museum has a collection of vehicles, displayed either in the Montgomery Gallery, or outside the museum. There is an active programme of restoration on the vehicles by the museum’s volunteer vehicle group. Most of the vehicles work and some are registered for road use, enabling them to travel to outside events.

Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum

393 Old Commercial Road

Portsmouth PO1 4QL

023 9282 7261

www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk

The famous writer Charles Dickens was born in this modest house in Portsmouth, England in 1812. The house has miraculously survived and is now preserved as a museum furnished in the style of 1809 which is when John and Elizabeth Dickens set up the first home of their married life there.

Collections: The furniture, ceramics, glass, household objects and decorations faithfully re-create the Regency style which Charles’s parents would have favoured, although their actual possessions have long since been dispersed. There are three furnished rooms: the parlour, the dining room and the bedroom where Charles was born.

Chawton House Library

Chawton

Alton GU34 1SJ

01420 541010

www.chawtonhouse.org

Chawton House Library is a charity with a unique collection of books focusing on women’s writing in English from 1600 to 1830. This specialist collection, set in the home and working estate of Jane Austen’s brother, provides the opportunity to study and savour the texts in their original setting and inspires passion in readers of all ages. The Library’s mission is to promote study and research in early English women’s writing; to protect and preserve Chawton House, an English manor house dating from the Elizabethan period; and to maintain a rural English working manor farm of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, for the benefit of everyone.

City of Portsmouth Preserved Transport Depot

Wicor Farm, Cranleigh Road

Portchester PO16 9DR

www.facebook.com/cpptd

CPPTD is one of three separate and operationally independent bus preservation projects in Hampshire and West Sussex that are administered by the Working Omnibus Museum Project Ltd – the others are the Medstead Depot Omnibus Group and the Stedham Garage Group.

Curtis Museum

01420 82802

www.hants.gov.uk/museum/curtis

One of the finest local history collections in Hampshire, exploring 100 million years of history. Displays include prehistoric tools, Roman pottery reconstruction, Saxon burials, the Battle of Alton 1643, the notorious tale of Sweet Fanny Adams and hop picking and brewing.

D-Day Museum & Overlord Embroidery

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea

Portsmouth PO5 3NT

023 9282 7261

www.ddaymuseum.co.uk

The D-Day Museum was established in 1984 to tell the story of Operation Overlord from its origins in the dark days of 1940 to victory in Normandy in 1944.

Collections: The museum’s centrepiece is the Overlord Embroidery. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, it is a moving tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the Allies in defeating Nazi Germany.

Diving Museum, The

The Diving Museum, No 2 Battery, Stokes Bay Road

Gosport PO12 2QU

02392 602260

www.divingmuseum.co.uk

It is not yet popularly known, but Gosport is the home of the global diving industry. The co-inventor of the diving helmet, John Deane, lived in Gosport from 1835 to 1845 during which time he discovered the Mary Rose.

Eastleigh Museum

25 High Street

Eastleigh SO50 5LF

023 8064 3026

www.hants.gov.uk/museum/eastlmus

Eastleigh Museum, housed in the old Salvation Army Citadel, is on High Street in the busy town centre and close to the Swan Shopping Centre. Discover Eastleigh’s past, and meet Mr and Mrs Brown, a local locomotive engine driver and his wife.

Eastney Beam Engine House

Henderson Road, Eastney

Portsmouth PO4 9JF

023 92 827261

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

Come, see and feel the powerful and majestic ‘James Watt’ Beam Engines in full steam. These engines are still housed in their original High-Victorian engine house.

Eling Tide Mill

The Tollbridge, Totton

Southampton SO40 9HF

023 8086 9575

www.elingtidemill.org.uk

Eling Tide Mill is a water mill that harnesses the power of the tide to grind wheat into wholemeal flour. Situated on the edge of Southampton Water beside the renowned New Forest, there has been a mill on the site for over 900 years, although it has had to be rebuilt several times, with the current building being some 230 years old. Tide mills were once an important part of the economy of many countries, such as Great Britain and the United States of America – the latter having many hundreds of tide mills on the eastern coast from the 17th to 19th centuries.

Emsworth Museum

10B North Street

Emsworth PO10 7DD

01243 378091

www.emsworthmuseum.co.uk

The museum, opened in 1988, was formed to archive and display the history of Emsworth and its surroundings, to make the public aware of Emsworth’s historical position. The museum is entirely run by volunteers, and has a selection of the area’s history displayed in articles, books, pictures, clothing ships models.

Explosion. The Museum of Naval Firepower

Heritage Way, Priddy’s Hard

Gosport PO12 4LE

023 9250 5600

www.explosion.org.uk

Explosion., The museum of Naval Firepower is a multi-million pound interactive museum set in the historic former Royal Navy armaments depot at Priddy’s Hard, on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour. Telling the story of naval firepower from the days of gunpowder to modern missiles with an unique collection which includes the Red Beard atom bomb, the Exocet missile and the Schwartzkopff torpedo.

Fordingbridge Museum

King’s Yard, Salisbury Street

Fordingbridge SP6 1AB

01425 655222

www.fordingbridgemuseum.co.uk

Museum was founded in 2000 based on the collection donated by John Shering, a local businessman & benefactor of the town. Located in the middle of town in King’s Yard, the museum building was a former granary.

Collections: Artefacts illustrating life in a rural town mainly between 1850 and 1950. A large photographic collection of Fordingbrige and surrounding villages including some of the people who lived there and their way of life.

Fort Brockhurst – English Heritage

Gunners Way, Elson

Gosport PO12 4DS

02392 581059

www.english-heritage.org.uk/fortbrockhurst

Fort Brockhurst is one of five forts known as the Gosport Advanced Lines, built to defend Portsmouth Harbour from a flanking attack by the French.

Collections: Holds archaeological, architectural and historical objects from English Heritage sites in the south of England.

Fort Cumberland – English Heritage

Portsmouth PO4 9LD

02392 856700

Perhaps England’s most impressive piece of 18th-century defensive architecture, Fort Cumberland was reconstructed in pentagonal form by the Duke of Cumberland between 1785 and 1810, and designed to protect Langstone Harbour. Southsea beach is nearby.

Gilbert White’s House & Garden & the Oates Collection

The Wakes, High Street

Selborne GU34 3JH

01420 511275

www.gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk

Discover the fascinating stories of three explorers of the natural world- Gilbert White, 18th century author and naturalist; Frank Oates, Victorian explorer of America and Africa; Captain Lawrence Oates who famously lost his life on Scott’s ill fated expedition to Antarctica 1911-1912. Explore the charming house, 25 acres of restored gardens and ancient parkland.

God’s House Tower Museum of Archaeology

Museum of Archaeology, Winkle Street

Southampton SO14 2NY

02380 915732

Built in 1417, God’s House Tower is the first purpose built artillery fortification in England. Gunpowder, shot and guns were stored on the ground floor and the main firing platform was on the roof.

Collections: They include spectacular medieval glass, imported pottery collections, and significant Roman, Saxon and medieval material. The size and range of the archaeology collections reflect the importance of Southampton in the past and at present, and the 50 years of systematic archaeological investigations in the city.

Gosport Discovery Centre

High Street

Gosport PO12 1BT

0845 603 5631

www.discoverycentres.co.uk/gosport

In the centre of Gosport, the Discovery Centre combines the best of traditional libraries with an exciting world of fun, learning and leisure. Whether you want to find the latest blockbuster, dig up information on your ancestors, watch a dance performance, or learn to surf the net, it’s all here.

Great Hall & Round Table, Winchester Castle

The Great Hall, The Castle

Winchester SO23 8PJ

01962 846476

www3.hants.gov.uk/greathall

The first and finest of all 13th century halls, with the greatest symbol of medieval mythology, ‘The Round Table of King Arthur’. Winchester Castle dates from the reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1087). Although now known to have been constructed in the 14th century, and repainted in its present form for King Henry VIII, the table has for centuries been venerated by generations of tourists.

Gurkha Museum

Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road

Winchester SO23 8TS

01962 842832

www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk

The Gurkha Museum commemorates the services of the Gurkhas to the British Crown since 1815. Displays cover the Gurkhas’ service in the old Indian Army which took them to battlefields across the world. From 1948 onwards the displays cover the story of the four Gurkha regiments transferred to the British Army and the corps which were subsequently raised to join them.

Hampshire Archives & Local Studies

Hampshire Record Office, Sussex Street

Winchester SO23 8TH

01962 846154

www.hants.gov.uk/archives

Hampshire Record Office holds parish registers, wills and inventories, school log books, and tithe and enclosure maps, as well as archives of many significant institutions and organisations which have proved key to an understanding of national trends and events. Among these are the records of the medieval bishops of Winchester.

Hampshire Genealogical Society

198A Havant Road, Drayton

Portsmouth PO6 2EH

023 9238 7000

www.hgs-online.org.uk

Helping you explore your family history in Hampshire in the UK and worldwide.

Hampshire Museums & Archives Service

Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane

Winchester SO23 8RD

01962 846304

www.hants.gov.uk/museums

We are one of the largest and most dynamic museum services managing 19 museums and specialist sites across Hampshire. We care for a wealth of collections representing Hampshire’s archaeology, history, natural sciences, art and cultural life.

Hampshire Naval Collection

Gosport Library, High Street

Gosport PO12 1BT

023 9252 3431

Hampshire Naval Collection at Gosport Discovery Centre covers the Royal Navy and all aspects of British naval history including the Merchant Navy when there is an involvement in warfare. A substantial amount of material reflects the strong links between Hampshire, particularly Gosport, and the Navy.

Hinton Ampner – National Trust

Hinton Ampner, Bramdean

nr Alresford SO24 0LA

01962 771305

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

Hinton Ampner is one of the great gardens of the 20th century and is a masterpiece of design by Ralph Dutton, 8th and last Lord Sherborne. The 5ha (12 acre) garden unites a formal layout with varied and informal plantings in pastel shades. The house contains a fine collection of Regency furniture, Italian paintings and hardstone items.

Historic Environment Centre – HEC

Colebrook Street

Winchester SO23 9LJ

01962 840 222

www.winchester.gov.uk/heritage

Located in Winchester Guildhall, above the Tourist Information Centre, the Historic Environment Centre is a search room where members of the public can consult aspects of the museums Service collections and meet members of staff by appointment only. Also museums’ education service based there and the Historic Environment Record – a database and associated information of all known historic sites and monuments across the district. It replaces the former resources centre based at Hyde, and brings the services formerly provided there into the centre of town for greater convenience.

HMS Victory at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HM Naval Base

Portsmouth PO1 3NH

02392 839766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

HMS Victory is the Royal Navy’s most famous warship. Best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar, the Victory currently has a dual role as the Flagship of the First Sea Lord and as a living museum to the Georgian Navy.

HMS Warrior 1860 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HM Naval Base

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

02392 839766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

As you arrive at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, the stunning sleek, black lines of Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship, take your breath away. The pride of Queen Victoria, Warrior revolutionised warship construction.

Hollycombe – Steam in the Country

Iron Hill, Midhurst Road

Liphook GU30 7LP

01428 724900

www.hollycombe.co.uk

Steam powered fairground, railways, traction engines, sawmill and farm set in beautiful woodland gardens. Experience the fun of an Edwardian fair, ride on the railways and behind traction engines. A great day out for all the family with a wide variety of attractions to enjoy without the queues usually experienced at more modern theme parks. The collection is of national importance and a registered charity.

Hovercraft Museum Trust, The

Argus Gate, Chark Lane

Lee-on-Solent PO13 9NY

023 9255 2090

www.hovercraft-museum.org

The Hovercraft Museum, based in Lee-on-the-Solent, has the only collection in the world of historic hovercraft. There are 60 hovercraft within several hangars on the Daedalus site. Every year we have a major Hovershow event when you can experience the thrill of hovercraft trips, displays of modern and historic craft and see many more on display.

Jane Austen’s House Museum

Chawton

Alton GU34 1SD

01420 83262

www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk

Jane Austen’s House Museum in the village of Chawton in Hampshire is where Jane spent the last eight years of her life. It is of international importance as the place where she did the majority of her mature writing, but at the same time retains the charm of a village home.

Collections: The museum houses an attractive collection of items connected with Jane and her family including the table that she used to write her novels. There is some of her jewellery, and examples of her needlework skill.

King’s Royal Hussars Museum in Winchester

Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road

Winchester SO23 8TS

01962 828541

www.horsepowermuseum.co.uk

Visit HorsePower, the museum of The King’s Royal Hussars, with its stunning displays of life size models, interactive exhibits, medals, swords, magnificent uniforms and fascinating photographs which show how the Cavalry of horse and sabre developed into the modern armoured regiment of today. Trace the history of three famous regiments over a period of 300 years and marvel at the great heroes who won the Victoria Cross for their valour. The dramatic exploits of men who fought in the Peninsula War, the Charge of the Light Brigade, the two World Wars are revealed and much more besides.

Maritime Archaeology Trust

Room W1/95, National Oceanography Centre, Empress Dock

Southampton SO14 3ZH

023 8059 3290

www.maritimearchaeologytrust.org

Maritime Archaeology Trust promotes interest, research and knowledge of maritime archaeology and heritage in Great Britain with core activities concentrated in the counties of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the adjacent South Coast areas. The Trust run a programme of research led fieldwork involving professional archaeologists, volunteers and students. The results of this work are widely disseminated through our programme of educational initiatives including lectures, seminars and publications.

Collections: Shipwrecks: Artefacts from protected wreck sites in the region such as Pomone and Santa Lucia. Submerged Solent: Artefacts and stratigraphy from Bouldnor Cliff the only submerged mesolithic landscape of its kind in Britain. Large collection of flint tools from lost Stone Age sites beneath the sea.

Maritime Museum, Buckler’s Hard, The

Buckler’s Hard, Beaulieu

Brockenhurst SO42 7XB

01590 614645

www.bucklershard.co.uk

Discover the fascinating story of Montagu Town as it was originally known. Founded as a free port for the trading of sugar from the West Indies, the newly re-designed Maritime Museum tells why the ambitious plans for a new town were never realised and why its name changed to Buckler’s Hard.

Mary Rose Museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

HM Naval Base

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

02392 839766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

The Mary Rose was one of the earliest ships to carry heavy guns. She was a favourite of King Henry VIII and sank off Portsmouth in 1545 during an engagement with a French invasion fleet, in full view of the King, the screams of the men onboard, ringing in his ears.

Collections: The Mary Rose is the only recovered 16th century warship and is of international significance in maritime archaeology and beyond. Weighing some 300 tons, and standing as high as a four-storey building, the hull is revolutionary in design and provides vital evidence of shipbuilding techniques for a period when ship-plans do not survive.

Medieval Merchant’s House – English Heritage

58 French Street

Southampton SO1 0AT

02380 221503

goo.gl/AKMsxo

The Medieval Merchant’s House is tucked away within walking distance from the busy city centre. Escape from city life and take in the history of Southampton’s ‘old town’. A residence and place of business, it stood on one of the busiest streets in medieval Southampton. Now restored to its mid-14th century appearance by the removal of later additions, it is equipped with replica period furnishings. It stands near the medieval town wall, built to defend Southampton against seaborne attacks.

Mid Hants Railway – the ‘Watercress Line’

The Watercress Line, The Railway Station

Alresford SO24 9JG

01962 733810

www.watercressline.co.uk

Formerly part of Britain’s national rail network between the towns of Alton and Alresford in Hampshire, this preserved heritage steam railway line is now operated by dedicated volunteers for the enjoyment of all. The railway runs 10 miles from Alresford to Alton, on the way visiting Ropley and Medstead & Four Marks.

Milestones – Hampshire’s Living History Museum

Leisure Park, Churchill Way West

Basingstoke RG22 6PG

01256 477766

www3.hants.gov.uk/milestones

Step back in time to the late Victorian period and experience Hampshire during the Industrial Revolution. Explore an authentically recreated network of streets, houses and factories, and discover a host of fascinating objects and vehicles from the Victorian era to the 1940s.

Mottisfont – National Trust

Mottisfont

nr Romsey SO51 0LP

01794 340757

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

Set amidst glorious countryside along the River Test, this 12th century Augustinian priory was converted into a private house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and still retains the spring or ‘font’ from which its name is derived. The key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and the National Collection of Old-fashioned Roses, at their best in mid-June.

Collections: Drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and Derek Hill’s 20th century picture collection.

Museum of Army Chaplaincy

Amport House, Amport

Andover SP11 8BG

01264 773144 x 4248

www.army.mod.uk/chaplains/23363.aspx

The Royal Army Chaplain’s Department (RAChD) was formed in 1796 to aid the recruitment of clergy serving with the army. However, this isn’t the beginning of the story as priests have served with the military for hundreds of years.

Museum of Army Flying, The

Middle Wallop

Stockbridge SO20 8DY

01264 784421

www.armyflying.com

Historic helicopters, aeroplanes, kites, gliders, dioramas, exhibits, displays, all telling the story of ‘soldiers in the air’ from 19th century balloons to the present day and attack helicopters. Plus 2 flight simulators, rifle simulators, play park, 1940s house, childrens centre, gift shop, cinema, licensed cafe with airfield views, picnic area and plenty of parking. A343 between Andover and Salisbury; next to busy working airfield.

Museum of the Iron Age

6 Church Close

Andover SP10 1DP

0845 603 5635

www.hants.gov.uk/museum-of-the-ironage

The Iron Age Museum tells the story of Danebury Ring, an Iron Age hillfort. It was excavated by Prof Barry Cunliffe between 1969 and 1988 becoming one of the most intensively studied sites of the British Iron Age (750 BC to the Roman invasion 43AD). The museum has life-sized models and reconstructions, as well as finds from the excavations, creating a picture of how people farmed, fought, worshipped and died, more than 2000 years ago. After completing work at the hillfort, Barry Cunliffe set about investigating Iron Age and Roman sites in the vicinity. Finds from some of these, together with the first La Tene mirror from Hampshire, are also displayed in the museum.

New Forest Centre, The

New Forest Centre

Lyndhurst SO43 7NY

023 8028 3444

www.newforestcentre.org.uk

The New Forest Centre houses a museum of the New Forest, a temporary exhibition gallery, a reference library, shop and VIC. We run an education service that caters to local schools and a lifelong learning programme of exhibitions and events.

Petersfield Museum

The Old Courthouse, St Peters Road

Petersfield GU32 3HX

01730 262601

www.petersfieldmuseum.co.uk

The museum was set up in 1999 and is located in the former Magistrates Courthouse.

Collections: The museum holds collections on the social, industrial and agricultural history of Petersfield and the surrounding villages. The collections are made up from artefacts and archives (including maps, oral history accounts, and photographs).

Pompey Pals Project

c/o 14 Trevis Road, Milton

Portsmouth PO4 8LY

07751 465723

www.pompeypals.org.uk

An organisation to commemorate those men and women from Portsmouth & surrounding area who served during the Great War whether overseas or at home.

Portchester Castle – English Heritage

Portchester PO16 9QW

02392 378291

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/portchester-castle

One of a series of forts from the Solent to the Wash built in the late third century by the Romans to defend against Saxon pirates – a castle was built on the site in 1120. From then on, Portchester became a convenient place of embarkation for successive kings of England departing on journeys or military expeditions abroad.

Portsmouth Cathedral

St Thomas’s Street, Old Portsmouth

Portsmouth PO1 2HA

02392 892965

www.portsmouthcathedral.org.uk

Portsmouth Cathedral welcomes visitors for services, tours or simply a wander around.

Portsmouth City Museum

Museum Road

Portsmouth PO1 2LJ

023 9282 7261

www.portsmouthcitymuseums.co.uk

The City is the museum of and for the people of Portsmouth. There are temporary exhibition galleries, which have a frequently changing parade of fascinating shows on a wide range of subjects. The City Museum is dedicated to local history and fine and decorative art.

Collections: Local History, Arthur Conan Doyle, Story of Portsmouth, Portsmouth at Play, No Place Like Pompey.

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Visitor Centre, Victory Gate, HM Naval Base

Portsmouth PO1 3LJ

02392 839 766

www.historicdockyard.co.uk

Featuring the Mary Rose Museum and world famous ships HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860, plus HMS Alliance, the only remaining WW2 era British ocean going submarine. Also including the National Museum Royal Navy Portsmouth, Action Stations and Harbour Tours, there’s plenty to see and do.

Portsmouth Museums & Records Service

Portsmouth Museums, Portsmouth City Museum

Portsmouth PO1 2LJ

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

Portsmouth’s collections cover a vast array of subjects; notably social history, military history, natural history, fine and decorative art and the literary collections pertaining to Charles Dickens and Arthur Conan-Doyle.

Portsmouth Natural History Museum

Eastern Parade, Southsea

Portsmouth PO4 9RF

02392 827261

www.portsmouthnaturalhistory.co.uk

The museum tells the story of the wild things of the riverbank, marshes, woods and urban areas of Portsmouth. Have a look for the heron stalking its prey and the brent geese coming into land after their 3000 km flight from the arctic.

Portsmouth Records Office

Portsmouth History Centre, Norrish Central Library, Guildhall Square

Portsmouth PO1 2DX

023 9268 8046

www.portsmouthrecordsoffice.co.uk/

The Portsmouth History Centre is on the second floor of Portsmouth Central Library and comprises: City Records Office Archive; library resources on family, local and naval history; Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens collections.

Rifles Collection, The

Peninsula Barracks

Winchester SO23 8TS

01962 828505

www.riflesmuseum.co.uk

The Rifles Collection aims to tell the story of The Rifles, a regiment formed in 2007, drawing on both the heritage of its antecedent regiments and the current Regiment. The museum reflects the experiences of the modern Regiment, showcasing their tales from modern conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan as well as their role in British culture such as the role in the 2012 Olympics.

Rockbourne Roman Villa

Rockbourne

Fordingbridge SP6 3PG

0845 603 5635

www.hants.gov.uk/rockbourne-roman-villa

The villa once stood in the centre of a large farming estate, and is the largest known Roman villa in the area. Its history spans the period from the Iron Age through to the 5th century AD. Today you can walk around the remains of the villa and visit the site museum which displays many of the fascinating objects found on the site and shows what life was like for the Roman Britons who lived here over 1600 years ago. The villa site includes bath houses, living quarters, farm buildings and workshops.

Round Tower

Broad Street

Portsmouth PO1 2JD

023 9282 7261

www.portsmouthmuseums.co.uk

One of Portsmouth’s oldest permanent fortifications. The Round Tower was built in around 1418 to defend the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and prevent raids on the city by French ships.

Royal Armouries, Fort Nelson

Portsdown Hill Road

Fareham PO17 6AN

01329 233734

www.armouries.org.uk

This imposing Victorian fort is home to the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery – The Big Guns. Strategically positioned atop Portsdown Hill, with panoramic views across the Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour, Fort Nelson is an historic monument, restored to how it would have been in the 1890s. Visitors can access most areas of the fortifications and see how the Fort would have operated. The museum’s displays trace the development of artillery from pre-gunpowder siege machines to modern-day super guns.

Collections: Fort Nelson also houses the world-renowned Royal Armouries collection of historic big guns and cannon, part of the National Museum of Arms and Armour. See the infamous Iraqi Supergun and its ancestor the Great Turkish Bombard of 1464.

Royal Green Jackets – Rifles Museum

Royal Green Jackets Museum, Peninsula Barracks, Romsey Road

Winchester SO23 8TS

01962 828549

www.rgjmuseum.co.uk

Situated close to the City Centre and the heart of historic Winchester, with its Great Hall and Cathedral, this excellent Museum records, chronologically, graphically and entertainingly, the history of The Royal Green Jackets and its antecedent Regiments from 1741 to the present day. The museum houses an outstanding collection of uniforms, weapons, silver, paintings and medals, including 34 of the regiment’s 59 Victoria Crosses. Amongst nine battle models there is a magnificent diorama of Waterloo, measuring 22’ x 11’ with 22,000 model soldiers and horses, plus an accompanying sound and light commentary.

Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum

Serle’s House, Southgate Street

Winchester SO23 9EG

01962 863658

www.serleshouse.co.uk/index.html

The museum was opened shortly after the Second World War and originally occupied two floors. In 2004 it was reopened in its present site on the ground floor of Serles House. It comprises two large rooms connected by a long corridor which houses the picture gallery. The first room you enter concerns the history of the regiment from 1702 until 1905.

Royal Marines Museum

Southsea PO4 9PX

023 9281 9385

www.royalmarinesmuseum.co.uk

Explore the fascinating history of the Royal Marines. Take a walk through history from 1664 and learn about the lives of the extraordinary people who have become Royal Marines.

Royal Military Police Museum

The RMP Museum, DCPG, PP38, Southwick Park

Nr Fareham PO17 6EJ

023 9228 4372

www.rhqrmp.org/rmp_museum.html

Since the 1950s, wherever the RMP have undertaken their training, a collection of historic artefacts has also been housed. Using the past to instil both a shared ethos and pride in the Military Police was, and still is, one of the roles of the museum.

Royal Navy Submarine Museum

Haslar Jetty Road

Gosport PO12 2AS

02392 510354

www.submarine-museum.co.uk

Walk through HMS Alliance, the UK’s only surviving British WW2 submarine, become a pirate and feel the force in our interactive gallery. Meet the crew, dive into games and discover tales of true heroes of the Submarine Service.

Royal Observer Corps Museum

Abbotts Road

Winchester

www.therocmuseum.org.uk

The Royal Observer Corps Museum is the national Museum of the ROC and has an unrivalled collection of photographs, documents, records, equipment, artefacts and memorabilia covering the history of the ROC from its formation in 1925 until final standdown in 1995.

Royal Victoria & Military Cemetery Netley Archive

24 Johns Rd, Woolston

Southampton SO19 9BU

www.netley-military-cemetery.co.uk

An archive for anyone interested in the Royal Victoria Hospital and Military cemetery at Netley.

Sammy Miller Motorcyle Museum

Bashley Cross Road

New Milton BH25 5SZ

01425 616446

www.sammymiller.co.uk/museum.htm

The museum houses the finest collection of fully restored motorcycles in Europe, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, plus memorabilia spanning 7 decades of motorcycling for sport and for pleasure.

Collections: There are over 300 rare and classic motorcycles on display in four galleries.

Sandham Memorial Chapel – National Trust

Harts Lane, Burghclere

nr Newbury RG20 9JT

01635 278394

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sandham-memorial-chapel

Chapel containing Stanley Spencer’s visionary paintings: * Unique 1920s decorated chapel * Filled with Stanley Spencer’s murals inspired by the experience of First World War * Internationally recognised monument of British art * Orchard carpeted with wild flowers, with views of Watership Down * Stanley Spencer educational resources.

SeaCity Museum

Havelock Road

Southampton SO14 7FY

023 8083 3007

www.seacitymuseum.co.uk

Based at the heart of Southampton, SeaCity Museum tells the story of the people of the city, their fascinating lives and historic connections with Titanic and the sea. Visit SeaCity Museum and Southampton to discover how we bring maritime history to life through an interactive experience designed for all ages.

SEARCH – Hampshire Museums’ Hands-On Centre

50 Clarence Road

Gosport PO12 1BU

023 9250 1957

www.hants.gov.uk/museum/search

SEARCH is a hands-on centre for history and natural sciences in Gosport. We offer a range of exciting activity sessions for primary schools using real museum collections.

Solent Sky Aviation Museum

Albert Road South

Southampton SO14 3FR

02380 635830

www.solentskymuseum.org

The Hall of Aviation depicts the history of aviation in the Solent area and Hampshire. The museum tells the story of 26 aircraft companies including the Supermarine Aircraft Works where RJ Mitchell’s famous aircraft, the Spitfire, was designed and built, also the Schneider Trophy winning aircraft the S6B.

Southampton Archives

Civic Centre, Civic Centre Road

Southampton SO14 7LY

023 8083 2251

www.southampton.gov.uk/archives

Southampton archives services hold a rich variety of material relating to the city and its people dating back to 1199. Whether you are researching your Southampton or merchant seamen ancestors, the history of your house or general topics such as Southampton during the Second World War, we may have sources to help.

Southsea Castle

Clarence Esplanade, Southsea

Portsmouth PO5 3PA

023 9282 7261

www.southseacastle.co.uk

Built in 1544, Southsea Castle was part of a series of fortifications constructed by Henry VIII around England’s coasts to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII’s flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank in front of the castle.

Spring Arts & Heritage Centre, The

Old Town Hall, 56 East Street

Havant PO9 1BS

02392 451155

www.thespring.co.uk

The exhibition of local artefacts dates back beyond the original Roman settlements through to recent times. The artefacts include: the stocks and whipping post, Scalextric, St Faith’s Church Turret Clock, Stents leather, a 1900s police truncheon and much more.

Square Tower

Broad Street

Portsmouth PO1 2JE

07519 505785

www.squaretower.co.uk

The Square Tower is one of the oldest surviving parts of Portsmouth’s fortifications, built to defend the city and the harbour. Built in 1494, it was originally a fortified residence for the governor of Portsmouth.

St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery

St Barbe Museum, New Street

Lymington SO41 9BH

01590 676969

www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk

St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery tells the story of the coastal strip between the New Forest and The Solent and hosts a changing programme of high quality exhibitions. The area has seen a thriving salt industry, smugglers landing their illegal cargoes on the coast, and has a long tradition of innovative boat building. The museum’s aim is to capture the unique flavour of life in the district and to bring first class art exhibitions into the town.

Stansted Park

Standsted Park Foundation

Rowlands Castle PO9 6DX

02392 412265

www.stanstedpark.co.uk

Stansted Park, in the South Downs National Park, is a beautiful Edwardian ‘Upstairs-Downstairs’ house with an ancient private chapel. Set in the middle of a forest, with spectacular views south over the Solent, enjoy walks through the arboretum and picnics in the grounds.

Sutton Mandeville Heritage Trust

Yew Tree Barn, Sutton Mandeville

Wiltshire SP3 5NE

www.sutton-down-badges.com

Sutton Mandeville Heritage Trust is seeking to reinstate two regimental badges (Royal Warwickshire Regiment; 7th (City of London) Battalion of the London Regiment) cut into the hillside above Sutton Mandeville in the First World War, to carry out historical research and raise awareness of the military camps in the parish, and to commemorate those lost from the camps and the parish.

Tudor House & Garden

Bugle Street

Southampton SO14 2AD

02380 834563

www.tudorhouseandgarden.com

TSouthampton’s most important historic building, Tudor House reveals over 800 years of history in one fascinating location at the heart of the Old Town. The timber-framed building facing St Michael’s Square was built in the late 15th Century, with King John’s Palace, an adjacent Norman house accessible from Tudor House Garden, dating back a further 300 years. Tudor House gives a unique and atmospheric insight into the lives and times of both its residents through the years, and of Southampton itself.

Twyford Waterworks Trust

Twyford Waterworks, Hazely Road

Twyford SO21 1QA

01962 714716

www.hants.org.uk/twt

Twyford Waterworks is a preserved Edwardian water pumping station which provides the complete story of water pumping and supply in the area. It is still also an operational site and the two original wells are in regular use by Southern Water Services to produce some five million gallons of water per day, to supply parts of Eastleigh, Fairoak, Bitterne, West End and Botley. Exhibits include a variety of engines including steam, diesel, petrol gas and water plus the story of water supply.

Vyne, The – National Trust

Sherborne St John

Basingstoke RG24 9HL

01256 883 858

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/vyne

Built in the early 16th century for Lord Sandys, Henry VIII’s Lord Chamberlain, the house acquired a classical portico (the first of its kind) in the mid 17th century and contains a fascinating Tudor chapel with Renaissance glass, a Palladian staircase and a wealth of old panelling and fine furniture. Attractive grounds feature herbaceous borders and a wild garden with lawns, lakes and woodland walks.

Westbury Manor Museum

Westbury Manor, 84 West Street

Fareham PO16 0JJ

01329 824 895

www.hants.gov.uk/museum/westbury

Fareham’s local museum tells the story of the borough. Set in a fabulous Georgian building, the museum is right in the heart of Fareham.

Westgate Museum

High Street

Winchester SO23 8ZB

01962 840 222

www.winchester.gov.uk/heritage

Medieval gateway, positioned close to Winchester’s Great Hall, with portcullis slot and early gunports. Interesting graffiti from its use as a debtor’s prison from the 16th to the 18th century.

Whitchurch Silk Mill

28 Winchester Street

Whitchurch RG28 7AL

01256 892065

www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Whitchurch Silk Mill was built on the River Test in Hampshire in 1800, during the reign of King George III. Silk has been woven here since the 1820/1830s.

Collections: Includes Victorian winding, warping and weaving machinery; a working water wheel.

Willis Museum & Sainsbury Gallery, The

Old Town Hall, Market Place

Basingstoke RG21 7QD

01256 465 902

www.hants.gov.uk/willis-museum

Founded by Mr. Willis, a local watch and clock-maker the Willis Museum looks at the last 200 years of Basingstoke and the surrounding area.

Winchester Cathedral

1 The Close

Winchester SO23 9LS

01962 857200

www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk

Explore more than 1000 years of history in Europe’s longest medieval Cathedral. Discover the beautiful illuminated Winchester Bible, Morley Library, 12th-century wall paintings, medieval carvings, contemporary art and the awe and wonder of this magnificent building.

Winchester City Mill – National Trust

Bridge Street

Winchester SO23 0EJ

01962 870057

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/winchester-city-mill

This water-powered corn mill was first recorded in the Domesday survey of 1086. Rebuilt in 1744, it remained in use until the turn of the last century and has now been restored to full working order.

Winchester City Museum

The Square

Winchester SO23 9ES

01962 863 064

www.winchester.gov.uk/museums

New displays bring to life Winchester’s nationally important story, using the city’s rich archaeological and local history collections. Winchester was a major Roman centre, Venta Belgarum, as shown by the many mosaics on view, and became the principal city of King Alfred and later Anglo-Saxon and Norman kings.

Winchester College Treasury

College Street

Winchester SO23 9NA

01962 621 100

www.winchestercollege.co.uk

Winchester College is unusual in having its own museum, known as Treasury. It houses the Duberly Collection of Chinese art and the College collection of Greek vases.

Winchester Discovery Centre

Jewry Street

Winchester SO23 8SB

0845 603 5631

www.discoverycentres.co.uk/winchester

Winchester Discovery Centre is a new generation of libraries, run by Hampshire County Council. It houses a public library, two galleries, a performance hall, cafe and learning spaces.

Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium

Telegraph Way, Morn Hill

Winchester SO21 1HZ

01962 863791

www.winchestersciencecentre.org

Winchester Science Centre is a unique hands-on interactive science and technology centre with 100 exhibits to amuse and enthuse the whole family. At Winchester Science Centre you will understand how to bend light, create your own tornado and vortex, create electronic music and see your body through a heat sensitive camera.

World War One Remembrance Centre

Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill Road

Portsmouth PO6 3LS

023 9279 8751

The new centre has been set up to display artefacts, reproduction exhibits and memorabilia from World War One. We have a memorial centre and a walk through trench system.