Fordingbridge is a riverside country town that lies on the banks of the River Avon. Known as the northern gateway to the New Forest, it was recorded in the Domesday book.
The name Fordingbridge derives from `Forde’ and `Bridge’ and the town`s main feature, the first Great Bridge was built in medieval times and is located upstream from the ford.
This impressive structure that spans the river is a wonderful sight to behold and its seven symmetrical arches certainly grace the eye..
Fordingbridge in days gone by was once a busy industrial and commercial town and could offer trades such as brickmaking, pottery and textiles to attract business. There was also a more sinister side to the town in that it was also noted for its smuggling. Captain Diamond, the infamous `Smuggler King’ spent alot of his time in Fordingbridge at the local hostelry. Over the years the town has evolved into a lovely place for visitors with its beautiful scenery and walks, nature havens, cycle tracks and friendly welcoming people.
Things to Do and See in Fordingbridge
- Local history exhibits, which can be found in the Fordingbridge Museum and the Visitor Information Centre are situated in King’s Yard.
- A short distance from the High Street you can find the parish church of St. Mary. Largely built in 1150 it has some typical Norman characteristics.
- Why not take a visit to Alderholt Mill which is just a short drive from Fordingbridge. There has been a Mill on this site since the 14th century. The Mill machinery was worked commercially until 1947, but unfortunately it was neglected for a number of years after that and went into disrepair. Luckily, it was fully restored and successfully produced flour again back in 1987. Anderholt Mill is now a bed and breakfast, which opens the Mill for cream teas, buying bread, flour etc at weekends from 2pm-6pm. A speciality is to offer bread made from their own freshly milled flour. Milling demonstrations take place on Sundays at 3pm between Easter and October.
- Another attraction close by worth a visit is Breamore House and Countryside Museum. Breamore church, a short drive south of Fordingbridge, exhibits many Saxon features, and is believed to have been founded soon after 980 A.D.
- For history lovers Rockbourne Roman Villa is a fascinating place to visit and if you like the water then take the opportunity to visit Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve or New Forest Waterpark for the thrill seekers amongst you. All these fantastic places of interest are right on the doorstep from Fordingbridge and easy to get to.
- Picnics on the banks of the river Avon are a highlight in Summer. There is a safe play area close to the main bridge and a large grassy park to lie in the sunshine. This is very popular with families as you might guess.
- There are plenty of scenic Forest walks for visitors to take, most notably the famous Avon Valley Path from Salisbury to Christchurch which passes right through Fordingbridge. Aswell as a good walks there are also a variety of good shops, pubs and teashops to browse . The town’s large riverside park gives access to the River Avon where you can stroll along the riverbank and admire the willows and waterside plants which adorn its banks. Also nearby are secluded memorial gardens, other parks, and sports playing fields.
History Of Fordingbridge
Fordingbridge is a market town on the edge of the New Forest with a population of 6,000. Steeped in history, it sits on the banks of the River Avon and is within easy reach of the cathedral city of Salisbury. The popular seaside resort of Bournemouth is fairly close by too.
Man has been known to inhabit this area from the earliest of times. The surrounding chalk downlands offer areas of scientific interest where examples of Neolithic earthworks – New Stone Age, and of the Bronze Age can still be seen. Evidence such as flint tools and pottery sherds also suggest that these prehistoric people lived not just on the downs, but in all parts of this region.
Fordingbridge became a stop on the Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway in 1866, when they acquired a station. This subsequently resulted in the development of Ashford, a nearby suburb. The Railway Hotel was renamed the Load of Hay after the unfortunate closure of the line in 1963. Yet more recently, it was again renamed after Fordingbridge’s most famous former inhabitant, The Augustus John.
From 1960 onwards, Fordingbridge has grown significantly with several housing estates having been built to meet the demands of its rising population. The by-pass, constructed in the mid-70s, diverted much of the heavy traffic from the historic town centre and its beautiful narrow medieval bridge.
Fordingbridge celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2002 with its twin town Vimoutiers, which is in Normandy.