Hampshire's History: Overview + 10 Best Historical Sites In 2023

Driving through the country roads of Hampshire, visitors will discover its astonishing natural beauty, from the picturesque Meon Valley to the New Forest and South Downs national parks. But did you know that it’s also one of England’s most fascinating areas when it comes to the past?

From the Roman Invasion of the Anglo-Saxons to the events of the Tudor Reformation and its role in the World Wars, we’ll take you on a journey through Hampshire’s history. For those planning to visit, we’ll also explore the county’s most important historical sites, including the nearly 1000-year-old Winchester Cathedral, mediaeval remains and many a castle, historical house and museum.

Table Of Contents

1 From Romans To Modern Day: A Hampshire’s History Walkthrough
2 10 Most Prominent Sites Of Hampshire’s Rich History
3 More Interesting Facts About Hampshire Of Hampshire
4 Frequently Asked Questions
5 Conclusion

From Romans To Modern Day: A Hampshire’s History Walkthrough

Let’s take a brief ramble through the main periods of Hampshire’s history and explore the key events that happened in each.

The Roman Period

Britain was part of the Roman Empire for nearly 400 years from the 1st century AD, and Hampshire was one of the first areas to fall to its forces. Fascinating evidence of this is all over the county, such as the roads from Winchester that radiate from its centre like spokes on a wheel. There were also Roman settlements in Silchester and Southampton and several villa sites in the northwest and South Downs.

The Middle Ages

After a few bloody battles, Hampshire was conquered by the Saxons and Jutes in the early 6th century. By the middle of the 8th century, it formed the core of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex, whose capital was Winchester, while the Jutes settled in the Meon Valley.

After suffering multiple Viking attacks, the fatal blow to the Saxons came from the Norman Invasion of 1066. Hampshire soon became a favourite of many Norman kings, and New Forest National Park was a popular hunting ground.

After several tumultuous centuries, the late middle ages saw a comparatively peaceful period in Hampshire’s past, even as civil wars raged in other parts of England.

Tudor Times

As Britain’s power grew in the Tudor period, Henry VIII was very aware of the region’s importance as a defensive stronghold and built a castle and fort there. This was also when Portsmouth was established as a naval dockyard and Henry’s favourite ship, the Mary Rose, was sunk in a battle not far from Portsmouth’s shore. As the years continued, Portsmouth continued to play a key role in England’s naval history.

19th And 20th Centuries

Agricultural shifts and the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century saw people moving away from the countryside and into urban areas, especially coastal towns like Portsmouth and Southampton.

Southampton’s port also holds the dubious honour of being the launching point of the Titanic!

Both towns, however, can be proud of their role during WWII, with Portsmouth forming a Royal Navy harbour and Southampton Water housing a large military Hospital.

Modern Day

Today, Hampshire is still a firmly agricultural area, despite increasing urbanisation. The city of Portsmouth is still a key naval centre, while Southampton is a major passenger port.

The county is also home to two of the UK’s 15 national parks, South Downs and the New Forest, boasting both ancient woodlands and scenic coastal trails. Besides agriculture and some light industries, tourism is a central part of the Hampshire economy as visitors flock to discover the quaint towns, beautiful nature and the rich history it offers.

10 Most Prominent Sites Of Hampshire’s Rich History

These are the top 10 must-see sites in Hampshire for history buffs – don’t miss them!

1. Winchester Cathedral

There are so many things to do in Winchester, but Winchester Cathedral has to be at the top of your list. A truly magnificent cathedral that holds nearly 1000 years of history, Winchester is Europe’s longest cathedral. While it was first built between 1079 and 1093, expansions continued for hundreds of years.

Today, the cathedral holds evidence of both the original Norman cathedral and extensive Gothic expansions.

From Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries to attacks by Cromwell’s forces to nearly sinking into the ground in 1905, it seems the poor Winchester Cathedral couldn’t catch a break! Luckily, its foundation was reinforced, and today, Winchester Cathedral is carefully maintained. Visitors are welcome, whether to worship, marvel at the museum collection inside or learn the stories of the people connected with them, from Anglo-Saxon kings to Jane Austen.

2. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard & The Mary Rose

Portsmouth Historic Dockyard is a must-visit for anyone interested in naval history. It is essentially a life-size, open-air museum where visitors can step on board world-famous ships from over the years, including HMS Warrior and HMS Victory, key ships in the Royal Victorian Navy. WWII buffs may be more interested in HMS Alliance, the only remaining Second World War-era submarine in the world!

While you’re at the dockyard, don’t forget to stop by the Mary Rose Museum too. Here, you can explore the extraordinary story of Henry VIII’s favourite ship, Mary Rose, from her 33 years of success to her fateful final battle against the French.

The museum also depicts the miraculous rediscovery of Mary Rose at the bottom of the Solent 400 years later!

3. Southsea Castle In Portsmouth

Another essential spot to visit if you’re in Portsmouth is Southsea Castle. This formidable castle was built for Henry VIII in 1544 as part of a series of fortifications to protect England from invaders.

In fact, this castle was the very spot where Henry VIII sat while his beloved Mary Rose sank not far from shore! Today, it still guards the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, and tourists can visit the fascinating museum inside.

4. Highclere Castle

If we’re being pedantic, Highclere Castle isn’t really a castle but rather a grand Jacobethan country house owned by Henry Herbert, the Earl of Carnarvon. In the 1800s, Herbert played a significant role in the creation of Canada.

However, most visitors are more interested in a more recent role the house itself played – serving as one of the filming locations for the popular TV series Downton Abbey! The castle museum is open for tours on most days and often for special events as well.

5. Tudor House & Garden In Southampton

Built in 1495, Tudor House has lived many lives and is the oldest museum in Southampton. Over the years, it changed hands between various city elites, such as sheriffs and MPs, and was also used as a dye house.

Visitors will discover the fascinating stories of the lives of the various residents of the house and of Southampton itself. And after you explore one of the most interesting museums in Hampshire, why not take a stroll through the picturesque Tudor Knot Garden?

6. Southampton Old Town

If you plan to visit Tudor House, take some time to explore Southampton Old Town itself. The history of this place goes all the way back to the stone age, and you can almost feel whispers from all the different ages as you walk through it.

Old Town is home to 30 ancient monuments and over 90 historical buildings, including mediaeval watch towers and dungeons, several churches and Tudor houses, as well as inns and pubs. Besides the magnificent Old Town Walls, you will see Bargate, a mediaeval gatehouse in the city centre, that stands separately.

Plus, check out more cool things to explore in Southampton.

Tip: To get the most out of what Old Town has to offer, take a self-guided walking tour via the GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities app.

7. Bishop’s Waltham Palace

Whether you have an interest in the Middle Ages or you simply enjoy exploring ruins, you must visit Bishop’s Waltham Palace. This magnificent castle was established in the 1130s by Bishop Henry of Blois, brother of King Stephen. During the Middle Ages, Waltham Palace was one of the finest residences of the Bishops of Winchester, who were some of the wealthiest churchmen in Europe!

Much remains of the 12th and 14th-century buildings, including the impressive three-storey tower and the windows of the great hall. These were part of the extensive remodelling under William of Wykeham, who also founded Winchester College and New College, Oxford. Today, it is a fascinating museum to explore and boasts expansive grounds where visitors can enjoy a picnic.

8. Fort Nelson

Another Portsmouth must-see museum, Fort Nelson, allows visitors to step back in time into a fully restored Victorian fort. Dating back to the 1860s, it was built to defend against a potential invasion by the French that never happened. It finally came in handy during the World Wars as troop barracks and a depot for anti-aircraft ammunition supply.

Today, Fort Nelson also houses the Royal Armouries national collection of artillery and historic cannons spanning over 600 years! Museum visitors will also enjoy taking in the panoramic views over Meon Valley and Portsmouth Harbour.

9. Royal Victoria Country Park In Netley

If you have the time to stop by the village of Netley, it’s worth the trip not only for the quaint cottages and estuary views but also for the Royal Victoria Country Park. History nerds will get their fix at the museum of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital, which was in operation for nearly 100 years, including during World Wars I and II.

Tip: Even for those who can’t face another museum, the park offers a breath of fresh air as you wander through its beautiful grounds, perhaps stopping for a picnic or lunch at one of the restaurants!

10. Netley Abbey

If you make it to Netley village, you must visit Netley Abbey as well. Netley is the most complete surviving abbey built by the Cistercian monks in southern England. Almost all the original church walls still stand, along with many monastic buildings.

The ruins today reflect over 800 years of change, including when it was celebrated by Romantic authors and artists as the perfect mediaeval ruin. It doesn’t take long to explore the ruins, but you might just find yourself lingering in its romantic atmosphere!

More Interesting Facts About Hampshire Of Hampshire

Did you know about these fascinating elements of Hampshire’s past?

The beloved author Jane Austen lived in Hampshire, and you can visit her family house in Chawton. Hampshire’s idyllic countryside features heavily in her books, as does Portsmouth, where her brothers were stationed in the Royal Navy.
The British luxury fashion house, Burberry, was established in Basingstoke in 1856. This was after Thomas Burberry stumbled across gabardine, a completely breathable, waterproof fabric.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the very first Sherlock Holmes story in Southsea, Hampshire.

The character of Dr. Watson was based on the president of Portsmouth’s literary and scientific society who was a good friend of Conan-Doyle.

The Spitfire aircraft, a key part of the Allied victory in WWII, was first flown from Eastleigh, Hampshire, on the 5th of March, 1936.
Portsmouth FC is the longest-holding FA Cup champion in history, as they won in 1939 before the long interruption of WWII.

SDVH offers car rental services to cater to the needs of Hampshire residents. We also provide all sorts of vans for hire. Just reach out to us today to book your preferred vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is Hampshire Famous?

Hampshire is famous for many historical events, dating back nearly 2000 years. Due to its location, Hampshire was often subject to invasions and was one of the first areas to fall to the Romans and later to the Anglo-Saxons.

After Portsmouth was established as a Naval dockyard in the 1500s, it played a key role in many battles and in both World Wars. The county also has a wealth of other claims to fame, such as being the launching point for the Titanic!

What Are The Best Historical Attractions To See In Hampshire?

The best historical attractions to see in Hampshire are Winchester Cathedral and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, simply for the amazing breadth of history visitors can experience there. Winchester Cathedral is packed with exhibits from its nearly 1000-year history, and the Dockyard in Portsmouth allows visitors to see inside world-famous ships from history. However, Hampshire is brimming with fascinating historical attractions – those two are just the beginning!

What Are The Best Historical Attractions To See In Southampton?

The best historical attractions to see in Southampton are the Old Town Walls, Bargate and Tudor House & Garden. The first two are magnificent ancient monuments from Normal times, and Tudor House shows centuries of history in a very entertaining way.

Southampton also offers great museums, such as SeaCity, Solent Sky and the Southampton City Art Gallery, as well as multiple options to learn everything about Titanic, which sailed out of this coastal city.

Who Founded Hampshire?

Hampshire was founded by the West Saxons in the late 7th century (as an official region), with Winchester forming the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. The region was then referred to as Hamwic or Hamtunscir. However, while the Saxons may have named Hampshire, it was settled as far back as 14,000 years ago. But its recorded history only begins with its conquest by the Romans in the 1st century AD.

What Is The Old Name For Hampshire?

The old name for Hampshire is Southamptonshire, and in Victorian maps, this is still the name you will see. Over time, the ‘South’ was dropped and the ‘ton’ was abbreviated away and ‘Hampshire’ became the name in common parlance. However, the name of the administrative county was only officially changed to ‘County of Hampshire’ on 1 April 1959.

Conclusion

Well, there you have it! As we hope this article has made apparent, Hampshire’s history is incredibly rich, and the county is packed with historical points of interest to explore. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the space to describe half the important historical sites and events that form Hampshire’s political and cultural history – you’ll have to visit to explore it for yourself!

Hampshire’s History: Walkthrough + 10 Best Historical Attractions