NEW FOREST BED and BREAKFAST

Milford on Sea

The large village of Milford on Sea is located on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire near to the New Forest. With a population of approximately 4,000, Milford has a variety of shops, restaurants and pubs in its high street, which borders the village green.

The village is scenic in location, protected from development by a surrounding "green-belt" of land. From the beach in Milford ? affectionately called so by its residents ? The Needles of the Isle of Wight are clearly visible on a fine day.

Slightly further east is Keyhaven, with its boatyard and bird sanctuary. Protruding southwards from Keyhaven is Hurst Spit, approximately two miles of shingle, from the end of which the inhabitants of Hurst Castle used to watch over the Solent. The castle was built by Henry VIII, and is now visitor oriented, with a museum and caf? A seasonal ferry makes the trip across the marshes as an alternative to the blustery walk.

Perhaps the most awe-inspiring views from Milford are along the coast to the west on a clear night, when the conurbation of Christchurch, Bournemouth and Poole can clearly be seen, together with the stars reflecting on the ? usually ? gentle ocean.

History and Development: Milford began as a Saxon settlement and 500 years later (Domesday Book, 1086 CE) comprised a small manor with a church, a mill and about 50 inhabitants. It belonged to Christchurch Priory from about 1107 to 1539 and then passed into the hands of various courtiers and city merchants, mainly as a distant investment.

Milford's resources were its agriculture and the seasonal production of sea-salt, later supplemented, in fair degree, by smuggling. Development progressed slowly in accordance with the times until, in the latter part of the eighteenth century, wealthy newcomers moved in to buy up farms and build fine houses. Their advent materially changed the character, outlook and social structure of the village. Their Georgian houses serve today as a reminder of that turning point.

The salterns were less fortunate. After much expansion in mid-century, they declined rapidly in the 1780s and only a small remnant survived to fade slowly away after 1800. Their reclaimed land is today an area of great natural beauty.

Little further development took place until the 1880s, when the local landowner planned to convert Milford into a premier seaside resort, adding "on-Sea" to the village name. The scheme failed in its major objectives, but gave Milford a layout and an ordered development that lasted well into the present century.

Despite much new building in recent years, Milford still retains its character and unity as a village.