“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.