Learn about cultural heritage

The extensive and often dramatic history of the New Forest has lead to a rich cultural heritage that remains alive today. The heritage of the National Park is fundamental to its present day character. It exerts a powerful influence on modern day land use, and the character of the towns and villages within the boundary.  It is central to the sense of identity of the communities living within the Park and a key factor in attracting visitors to the area.  One of the most significant influences is the role of the commoners in managing the environment and as a consequence shaping what has become such a valued landscape.  

The National Park is important as an area for archaeology as artefacts have survived in this uncultivated region long after their destruction in more developed areas nearby.  Earthworks, boundary ditches, cattle pounds, burial mounds and coppice inclosures all contribute to the archaeological wealth of the area.  The Forest houses more than one hundred Bronze Age round barrows and two small hilltop Iron Age forts.  

Architecture in and around the National Park is varied.  Some of the oldest traditional buildings are the cob cottages and simple early brick houses that were built for the working man.  These are concentrated in particular areas such as East End, reflecting the squatter settlements of the 18th Century when families often built houses that encroached onto the Forest land.  

There are several local abbeys in and adjacent to the National Park including Beaulieu, founded in 1204 by Cistercian monks, and the Norman abbey in Romsey, which dominates the town.  There are also two Tudor castles on the coastline at Calshot and Hurst which were constructed by Henry VIII as part of his chain of coastal defences.

Factsheets

Factsheet 1 - Archaeology and heritage (676 KB)

Factsheet 2 - Architecture and historic buildings (708 KB)

Discovery series

Discovery series cultural heritage 1 - Churches (2 MB)

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