“Nestled deep within the expansive wilderness of the New Forest in Hampshire lies the picturesque village of Brockenhurst. With a history that spans countless centuries, this charming village is inseparable from the very fabric of the New Forest, the royal hunting ground established by William the Conqueror in 1079.
“Traces of human presence in Brockenhurst stretch back to the Bronze Age, around 4,000 years ago. Burial mounds, or tumuli, scattered across the landscape bear silent witness to these early residents.
“Originating from the ancient words of Old English, the name of the village is thought to be a combination of “broc,” meaning badger, and “hurst,” meaning wooded hill.
“In the historical record of 1086, the Domesday Book, the name “Broceste” is first associated with Brockenhurst. This village’s medieval origins are showcased through the presence of St. Nicholas Church, the sole New Forest church mentioned in the famous historic tome.” ( https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/24357327.brief-history-brockenhurst-hampshires-new-forest/ )
“Visit Brockenhurst for a wonderful experience of a proper New Forest village, where you will find ponies, donkeys and cows roaming down the high street and poking their heads into local shops and cafes!
“Brockenhurst has an interesting military past and in WWI was the location of hospitals for injured Indian and New Zealand soldiers. During WWII, what is now Balmer Lawn Hotel was often used as a Divisional HQ and was the location of many meetings between Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower as they planned the D-Day Landings. In 1944, ancient oak trees in the village hid military as they gathered to do battle in Normandy.
“Within the graveyard [of St Nicholas Church mentioned above], you will find the grave of Brusher Mills, the legendary New Forest snake-catcher. Find out more about this famous local resident in the public house named after him, The Snakecatcher at Brockenhurst.” (https://www.thenewforest.co.uk/explore/towns-and-villages/brockenhurst/ )
Still car-bound I offered a small gallery of photographs of the Christmas lights.
Jackie produced the rest.
This evening The Culinary Queen served second helpings of yesterday’s liver casserole meal with the addition of cauliflower. I drank Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
When I saw your header photo, I was reminded of Hilton Village in Newport News, Virginia. When I looked up Hilton Village, here is what I found:
“Hilton Village is a planned English-village-style neighborhood in Newport News, Virginia. Recognized as a pioneering development in urban planning, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood was built between 1918 and 1921 in response to the need for housing during World War I for employees of Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company. It is recognized as the United States’ first Federal war-housing project.”
Fascinating news from you, Liz. Thank you very much
I would love to visit this lovely village, Derrick! 🏴❤️
Fascinating history. Since it’s liver related, for once I won’t try to invite myself to dinner. 🤔😣😉
Great lesson in history. I would have loved to walk through. Thank you. Lovely photographs from you and Jackie.
Much appreciated by us both, Zakiah
A wonderful historical story about the origins of the Brockenhurst village … thank for sharing, Derrick …
Much appreciated, Ivor
You’re very welcome
Mrs T’s aunt lived in Brockenhurst and Mrs T has many fond memories of the village.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
A rich history!
Such posts do remind me of an old -probably never to be- dream of mine: to tour the English villages. Hop from one to the other. Spend the night at an inn, stay a day or two, then hop again to the next. (You know Frogs, we hop)
Sadly My back doesn’t agree with cars…
Anyway, thanks for the dream and a happy weekend to you and yours…
(Stay warm)
And to you, Brian. Thank you very much
What an interesting place. Great pictures, I just went for a walk in my mind.
Interesting history and beautiful photos! I especially like the deer at the DamGoodMedia window.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
I experience great delight looking at the festive lighting and decorations in your photographs as we no longer have any in our town.
Thank you very much, Anne. I’m sorry about yours
Thank you for sharing this with us, Derrick! ‘Tis wonderful! 🙂
And all of the photos by you and Jackie are lovely! I never tire of the holiday lights!
Difficult to pick a fave photo…but I do really enjoy the DamGoodMedia window by Jackie 1 and 2!!!
Also, love seeing you in the car…I thought “Hmm…is that Derrick or Santa!” 🙂 Ha! I’m seeing Santa everywhere these days! 🙂
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn, from each of us XX
Hi Derrick, a lovely post. Children of the New Forest was one of my younger son’s favourite books.
Thank you very much, Robbie
A most interesting and lovely post Derrick, we Belgians love the English villages and it is great to read some history about them.
Thank you very much, Agnes
Thank you for this post Derrick. I love knowing about the history of other places.
The village certainly is picturesque, the added holiday decorations add to it as well.
Such fascinating history! You got great shots from the car, and I like how Jackie caught you there in the header shot. Jackie got a wonderful variety–holiday sparkle and hair cuts. 🙂
Thank you for sharing the rich history and beautiful photos of this lovely village, Derrick.
Sweet. Thank you for these advent photos Knight.
I am enjoying these Christmas images from the surrounding area.
I’m also a big fan of liver. It regularly appeared on our table – liver and onions, creamy mash with a couple of vegetables. I need a trip to the butchers!
What a lovely little town with so much history! At first I though it might be connected with the Brocken Spectre, but it does not appear to be.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brocken_spectre
The Advent photos are beautiful, Derrick!