Advent Day 11

“Lyndhurst is the largest village in the New Forest and became the natural ‘capital’ of the area when William the Conqueror established his hunting grounds here.

“For centuries, Lyndhurst was the haunt of royalty, nobility and commoner alike. Kings and Queens regularly visited Lyndhurst’s own manor house. Now known as Queens House, the former manor is still home to Verderers’ Hall, the meeting place of the ancient Verderers’ Court whose history stretches back to at least the 13th century.

“Find out more about Lyndhurst

“A must for any visitor is the New Forest Heritage Centre which is home to the New Forest Museum, Gift Shop, Reference Library and Visitor Information Centre. The museum gives a unique insight into the Forest’s history and heritage.

“Lyndhurst’s famous connections

“Captain Arthur Phillip RN, First Governor of New South Wales and founder of Sydney, lived in Lyndhurst in 1763. He sailed from the Solent in 1787 to set up an agricultural colony for convicts at Botany Bay in New South Wales. It was here that he discovered Sydney harbour and founded the colony of New South Wales, later to become Australia. During his time at the colony he planted the first grape vines in Australia from plants taken from Cape Town, which began the Australian wine industry.

“Alice Liddell (later Hargreaves), the inspiration for Alice in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, lived in Lyndhurst and is buried in the graveyard of the church of St. Michael and All Angels. With an impressive 49 metre spire, this magnificent Gothic church is worth a visit.” ( https://www.visit-hampshire.co.uk/explore/towns/lyndhurst )

Having somehow managed to strain my left thigh yesterday, it soon became very clear that I would be unable to ascend the High Street in this village this evening to photograph the lights.

Here are the few I managed before Jackie stepped up to the plate;

and here are hers. Father Christmas in the last image was projected onto one of the upper windows of The Mailman’s Arms.

This evening there was one portion each of lemon chicken on savoury rice and sausages in red wine with vegetables; I chose the first and Jackie also enjoyed the second. I drank more of the Shiraz.

49 comments

  11. It is heartwarming to see such beautiful lights and decorations! I hope your thigh will improve before long – what a nuisance!

    Reply

  12. So sorry to hear about your thigh! I hope it heals soon.
    Fabulous post of photos and history and info! I greatly enjoyed it!
    You and Jackie captured beautiful holiday cheer in your photos!
    The photo of Father Christmas is delightful and sweet!
    (((HUGS))) ❤️❤️

    Reply

  15. Lyndhurst sounds like such a fascinating place, full of history and charm! It must have been a bit of a disappointment not being able to photograph the lights due to your strain. I hope your thigh feels better soon!

    And the “Under new ownership” spoils all the feeling 🙂 who cares? Or is it obligatory in the UK to put that sign?

    Reply

    1. That particular sign is probably very necessary. We got such bad service and poor quality meat from the predecessor on the one occasion we shopped there some years ago, that we never returned. Thanks very much, Ilze

      Reply

      1. Oh, I see! This happens in Latvia too—when a shop gets a bad reputation, they completely overhaul everything: the name, the layout, and even the overall look, just to ensure no one associates it with the old, poorly run store!

        Reply

  22. I am sorry to hear about the injury, and grateful for Jackie! Her care, of course, but also these marvelous photographs. Well done, Jackie, and thank you for sharing them with us.

    It’s a beautiful city and trust me, Derrick, I have been taking notes on all your local information during the Advent series. We won’t be able to visit long, but while there, I intend to see as much as possible in your beautiful New Forest area.

    Reply

Leave a Reply