News

Please select a news item from the list below to find out more.

• 09/05/2012 - Students Take a Step Back in Time

  Over the Bank Holiday weekend students studying maritime archaeology at Southampton University took a step back in time to the days of Britain’s most famous Royal Navy flag officer, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. They spent the weekend at the historic village of Buckler’s Hard, where ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built, discovering the challenges faced by shipbuilders of the time, and how they overcame them.
  
  Visitors could watch as the students fashioned the main components of the framework of a ship using the tools and shipbuilding techniques from the 18th and 19th centuries. Their focus, over the weekend was to fashion parts of a keel from a 20m oak, felled on the Beaulieu Estate days earlier.
  
  Leading the team of students on the project was the university’s Head of Marine Archaeology Dr Jon Adams, assisted by guest lecturer at the university and regular guest on TV’s Time Team, Dr Damian Goodburn.
  
  Ancient Technologist, Damien Sanders, was on hand to show the students the ancient art of building a coracle.
  Dr Adams said: “As the project progresses and we have enough pieces of wood prepared to construct the basic framework of an 18th century ship, visitors to Buckler’s Hard will get more of an impression of an active shipyard of the 18th century.”
  
  “This project offers an invaluable hand-on experience for the students of using tools and similar techniques to the 18th century shipwrights.”

• 04/05/2012 - Shipwrightry at Buckler’s Hard

  Over the Bank Holiday weekend, 5th-7th May, archaeology students from the University of Southampton will take a step back in time to the days of Britain’s most famous Royal Navy flag officer, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson. They will spend the weekend getting hands-on experience of using tools and shipbuilding techniques from the 18th and 19th Centuries.
  
  Visitors can watch the students convert oak timbers from the Beaulieu Estate into the main components of the framework of a ship, discovering the challenges faced by shipbuilders of the time, and how they overcame them.
  
  Living History Guides will also be on hand to tell visitors what life was like, living and working in the village during its shipbuilding years.

• 10/04/2012 - Ferrari Car Rally at Buckler’s Hard

  On Sunday 15th April, enjoy a spectacular sight at Buckler’s Hard when over 40 Ferrari’s drive in and display their vehicles in this historic village. Visitors can view some magnificent Ferrari’s which will be parked on the village street for all visitors to view when the Wessex and Thames Valley Ferrari car club visit Buckler’s Hard.

• 29/03/2012 - Living History this Easter at Buckler’s Hard

  This Easter Holiday, 31st March – 15th April, Buckler’s Hard comes alive as Living History characters recount what life was like in the 18th Century, when the village was a thriving centre for shipbuilding. Look out for various characters whilst you wander around the village. You may meet Balthazar Adams, son of the Master Shipbuilder Henry Adams, and his wife, Mary, who lived and worked in the village at the time when ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built.

• 26/03/2012 - River Cruise at Buckler’s Hard

  Reopening on 31st March for the summer season at Buckler’s Hard is the River Cruise. The Beaulieu River is one of the few privately owned rivers in the world, so what better way to experience it than on a cruise? The 30 minute tranquil journey wends its way along the River with accompanying commentary revealing the history of the Beaulieu River and the abundant wildlife that inhabits its riverbanks. A separate charge is applicable, please click here for prices.

• 28/02/2012 - Bond boat now at Buckler’s Hard

  Visitors to Buckler’s Hard can now see the indigenous boat used by Daniel Craig’s Bond in the latest film, Quantum Of Solace. The boat was used in a sequence where the villain, Greene, ‘gifts’ Bond girl Camille into General Medrano’s custody.  Bond intervenes by flying a motorcycle onto the boat in an attempt to rescue Camille from the General which leads to a gunfight at high speeds on choppy water before Bond finally throws off pursuit in a dramatic water chase scene. Although it appears to be driven by Bond in the film, the real steerage is hidden within the boat where a stunt driver is also concealed. The boat can be seen as part of a visit to Buckler’s Hard, where it is displayed on the banks of the Beaulieu River at the bottom of the picturesque village street.

• 16/02/2012 - Buckler’s Hard annual pass

  Holders of the Buckler’s Hard Annual Pass now also receive 10% off gift purchases from the Maritime Museum shop, as well as discounted entry to two other local museums - New Forest Centre in Lyndhurst and St Barbe Museum in Lymington. For full details of the discounts available please enquire at time of purchase or call 01590 616203.

• 06/02/2012 - Paranormal Investigations at Buckler’s Hard

  Last year the Hampshire Ghost Club carried out a number of investigations at Buckler’s Hard and activity believed to be of paranormal origin was detected. All of the members that attended last year reported strange sights, sounds and smells.
  
  The Hampshire Ghost Club will be coming back to Buckler’s Hard in March to carry out more investigations and gather information on the ghostly inhabitants of Buckler’s Hard. Keep an eye out for information as to what they find on the night!

• 01/12/2011 - Special festive treat for Buckler’s Hard visitors

  At Christmas time, the picturesque village of Buckler’s Hard, nestled on the banks of the Beaulieu River, is a wonderful place for the whole family to visit, and to help spread a little festive cheer, from 17th December to 2nd January 2012, all full-paying adults visiting Buckler’s Hard will receive a complimentary cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie in the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms.
  
  Originally called ‘Montagu Town’ by John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, Buckler’s Hard developed as a thriving shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s fleet at Trafalgar were built. Today, the village continues to thrive, unspoilt by the passage of time.
  
  Come in out of the cold and learn about the history of this 18th century village in the newly re-displayed Maritime Museum, which brings to life the characters who lived here at the time of Henry Adams, the Master Shipbuilder at Buckler’s Hard between 1744 and 1805.  It offers a new interpretation of Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River, focusing on its ships, which have been the inspiration for a wealth of art, literature and films.
  
  Historic displays in the Labourer’s and Shipwright’s cottages show how the village would have looked in the early 1800s and in the New Inn, you can hear residents from the time gossiping about local matters. In St. Mary’s chapel, a viewing window beside the altar reveals a recently discovered cellar below. The Beaulieu River was believed to be a major landing point for smuggled goods from the late 18th century, and it is possible that this cellar was once used as a store for smuggled contraband.
  
  On a crisp winter’s day you can take a stroll along the pathways beside the Beaulieu River, or follow the Woodland Walk to discover how the local timber at Buckler’s Hard was used in the 18th and 19th centuries to construct ships for the British Navy.
  
  If you tire of all the fresh winter air, Buckler’s Hard is a place for relaxation as well as exploration. Take advantage of our festive offer in the Captain’s Cabin Tea Rooms, which serves refreshments, including delicious cream teas, throughout the day.  Lunches are also available at the Yachtsman’s Bar and Master Builder’s House Hotel, overlooking the River.

• 30/11/2011 - Cellar Excavation at St. Mary's Chapel in Buckler's Hard

   It is believed that the Beaulieu River was a major landing point for smuggled goods in the late 18^th century, and that the chapel, then simply a cottage, was a centre of operations. A glass plate has now been set into the floor, and as part of a visit to the Buckler’s Hard attraction, visitors can now see into the cellar where smuggled goods, such as brandy and salt, may once have been stored. Many broken brandy bottles were found in the cellar during the dig, providing further possible evidence of smuggling activity.

  For now, it appears that the cellar has provided as much evidence as it can of its history, but soon it is hoped that other discoveries might be made in Buckler’s Hard. Mary Montagu Scott said: “For our next project we hope to do an external dig next summer by the slipway at the bottom of the village street.” Volunteers are always welcome to help out with future excavations, and if you would like to get involved, please contact Jane Mills by telephone on 01590 616328, or by email at jane.mills@beaulieu.co.uk

  Items from the excavation will go on show in the recently re-displayed Maritime Museum at Buckler’s Hard for visitors to enjoy. For more information about Buckler’s Hard, please visit www.bucklershard.co.uk

• 10/10/2011 - History Comes Alive at Buckler's Hard

  This October Half Term, 22nd – 30th October, the peaceful village of Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River comes alive as Living History characters recount what life was like in the 18th century,  when the village was a thriving centre for shipbuilding. Meet Balthazar Adams, son of Master Shipbuilder Henry Adams, and his wife, Mary, who lived and worked in the village at the time when ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built.

  Historic displays in the Labourer’s and Shipwright’s cottages show how the village would have looked in the early 1800s and in the New Inn, you can hear residents from the time gossiping about local matters.

  Visit the newly re-desplayed Maritime Museum and discover the ships that were built at Buckler’s Hard, which have been the inspiration for a wealth of art, literature and films. In its more recent history, find out about the important role played by Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River during WWII. Sections of the ‘Mulberry Harbour’ were made here, and hundreds of craft sailed from the Beaulieu River in the D-Day landings.

  In the chapel of St. Mary’s, peer through the viewing window in the floor beside the altar which reveals the recently discovered cellar below. The Beaulieu River was believed to be a major landing point for smuggled goods from the late 18th century, and it is possible that the cellar was once used as a store for smuggled contraband.

  Plus don’t miss the opportunity to embark on one of the last River Cruises of the season. This tranquil 30 minute journey wends its way along the river, with an accompanying commentary on the history of the river and the abundant wildlife that inhabits its banks.

• 12/09/2011 - TV Filming at Buckler's Hard

  Presenter Jimmy Doherty will be at Bucklers Hard on Tuesday 13^th September, filming for his new Channel 4 show ‘Jimmy’s Forest’ (provisional title). Jimmy will also be accompanied by Dr Damien Goodburn from the Museum of London and Time Team, who will be talking about shipbuilding methods used during the 18^th Century, when Buckler’s Hard was an important centre for it.

• 06/09/2011 - Buckler's Hard Triathalon

  Sunday 4^th September, saw Race New Forest’s 10th annual Triathlon at Buckler’s Hard.
  
  Referred to by the organisers as ‘middle’ distance, the ‘Buckler’s Revenge’ was undertaken by 135 athletes who had to swim 1.6km, then cycle 68.8 km and finish by running 18.4 km. The first person home took 3 hours 31 minutes, despite the heavy rain and strong tide.

• 08/08/2011 - Rolls-Royce Centenary celebrations at Buckler’s Hard

  Rolls-Royce celebrated the centenary of the Spirit of Ecstasy with over one hundred Rolls-Royce motor cars coming to celebrate. With cars ranging from 1911 until the present joining together to spend the weekend at Buckler’s Hard as part of their celebrations. The Rolls-Royce enthusiasts then enjoyed a day at Beaulieu and the National Motor Museum.

• 07/08/2011 - Marie Curie Walk Ten

  The second Marie Curie walk was again a success with about 400 people enjoying the twilight 10k walk. The walk started in Beaulieu and wound through the picturesque village of Beaulieu and followed the tranquil Beaulieu River to the unique 18th Century village of Buckler’s Hard. On this peaceful walk fundraisers enjoyed scenic views of both the river and the once thriving shipbuilding community. The walk concluded with a picnic and fun themed activities at Buckler’s Hard. 

• 26/04/2011 - Heritage Award for Buckler's Hard

  Heritage Award for Buckler's Hard

  The historic18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard on the Beaulieu River, has become the 29th site to be recognised by the Transport Trust as a site of special historic interest in Great Britain.

  The distinctive Red Wheel heritage plaque, awarded to Buckler’s Hard in recognition of the maritime history of the village, was unveiled by Dr Julian Lewis, MP for the New Forest, in a ceremony attended by the Hon Ralph Montagu and members of the Transport Trust.

  Buckler’s Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River, was a thriving shipbuilding centre during the 18th and 19th centuries, building merchant ships and warships for the British Navy.  Among the warships were three that took part in the Battle of Trafalgar, under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson.  The village also fulfilled an important role during WWll when it was requisitioned by the Admiralty.  Segments of ‘Mulberry Harbour’ were constructed here and then towed across to the Normandy coast for the D-Day landings.

  Heritage plaques are awarded by the Trust as part of the ‘Our Transport Heritage’ programme, which marks hundreds of sites of significant transport heritage to commemorate Britain’s rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport.

  Transport Trust Chairman, Stuart Wilkinson said: “By highlighting such historically important sites as Buckler’s Hard we hope that future generations will fully appreciate Britain’s role in the development of transport in all its forms; maritime, rail, aviation and motor vehicle.”

  Following  the Buckler’s Hard award ceremony, a second plaque was unveiled at Lepe Beach, to commemorate   the construction of the Mulberry Harbour and the ‘PLUTO (Pipeline Under the Ocean) fuel pipeline during WWll.

  Buckler’s Hard is open every day from 10am.
  
  Further information from: Margaret Rowles Public Relations Officer Tel: 01590 614603 E: pr@beaulieu.co.uk

• 28/03/2011 - New Look Maritime Museum

  New Look Maritime Museum

  The unique and picturesque village of Buckler’s Hard sits on the banks of the Beaulieu River, in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Buckler’s Hard developed as a thriving shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Trafalgar fleet were built. Today, the village continues to thrive, unspoilt by the passage of time.
  
  A visit the Maritime Museum reveals the story of this unique village, bringing to life the characters who lived here at the time of Henry Adams, the Master Shipbuilder at Buckler’s Hard between 1744 and 1805. The Maritime Museum is now undergoing a major refurbishment, due for completion by Easter. Once complete the Maritime Museum will offer a new interpretation of Buckler’s Hard and the Beaulieu River focusing on its ships, which have been the inspiration for a wealth of art, literature and films.
  
  The SS Persia Exhibition, within the Maritime Museum, tells the remarkable tale of the P & O liner SS Persia, its links with Rolls Royce and the Montagu family and it’s sinking by a German U-Boat during WWI. Following the world’s deepest salvage operation of its type, several of the ship’s artefacts, entombed for nearly one hundred years, are on display for the first time.
  
  Complementing a visit to Buckler’s Hard, groups can enjoy a River Cruise and Hearts of Oak tour to discover more about this fascinating 18th Century village. Enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Beaulieu River with a commentary revealing its history and the abundant wildlife that inhabits its riverbanks, or take the Hearts of Oak tour, and step back to the 1790s to meet an inhabitant of Bucker’s Hard who recounts life in the village at that time and other key events in its shipbuilding history.
  
  The Captain’s Cabin Tearooms at the top of the village street offers light refreshments and drinks. In the Maritime Museum you can find a wide range of gift and nautical items available in the gift shop.
  
  Special admission prices apply to groups of 15 or more. For further information and to book, telephone 01590 614645 or email groups@beaulieu.co.uk. Alternatively, visit www.bucklershard.co.uk.