Books
There are few places in the world with the rich history and buildings and ships left to show for it. Hampshire is such a place, with a past filled with war stories and medieval horror stories. Here are some of the books that celebrate the rich history of these towns and landscapes.
The New Forest
The New Forest is a book looking at this incredible landscape from different angles, with stories of inhabitants and animals, folklore, and history. The New Forest covers 285 square miles and includes moorlands and dense forests. It is known for its heathland and native ponies.
50 Gems of Hampshire
The book gives insight into the rich cultural history of Hampshire, with illustrations of historical buildings and the magnificent landscapes and gardens in the area. It was written by Peter Kilby, who masterfully captured the essence of the country and incorporated the rich history in its writing.
A – Z of Southampton
A – Z of Southampton is the perfect coffee table book with beautiful pictures that describe Southampton’s most visited sites. The book goes beyond the most prominent attractions and shows places like the memorial to the Titanic’s engineers and the Stella Memorial, telling the beautiful story of how Mary Ann Rogers saved passengers’ lives.
The Warship Mary Rose
For people wanting to read more about the famous warship of Henry VIII, the paperback features information on the 19,000 artefacts held in the museum at Portsmouth. It encapsulates the exciting time in which this ship sailed and is a perfect read. In addition, the book includes beautiful illustrations of the boat and insights into the archaeological work done on salvaging the vessel.
Books are available online and reading some is a good idea before venturing into Hampshire. Looking at the country’s history, knowing whose footsteps a person follows in the cathedral, and seeing the ships and artefacts from the war will allow for a more significant experience.