Discovering Bursledon: A Journey Through History and Heritage
My journey into the heart of Bursledon's maritime history began with a simple curiosity about my husband's ancestors. Little did I know, this would lead me down a fascinating path exploring the village's storied connection to the merchant marines, industry, and agriculture. Through my earlier research, I gained insights into how to trace people in the merchant marines. I also discovered a deep fascination with Bursledon, particularly the street where I believe his family lived—today known as Land's End Rd.
On every census, the family was enumerated near the Jolly Sailor pub, one of the few anchor points available for determining who lived in which of the several cottages both on the road and in the village. After locating images of the road and using Street View maps, plus a quick visit during the lockdown (unfortunately, the pub wasn't open yet!), I could see why those in the maritime trade would be drawn to Bursledon. The pub and cottages sit directly on the riverside, offering easy access to the river for their trade.
Flickr. (2024). 1900s Postcard: The River, Bursledon, Hampshire. [online] Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/147645911@N08/32568204417/in/photolist-RBWyvP-2ihbWx4/ [Accessed 27 Aug. 2024]. Postcard scan by Mark Crombie, posted on Flickr. Upscaled for use in this post by myself. Photograph dated late 1800s or early 1900s, indicative of the types of cottages found along the River Hamble, possibly even on Land's End Road itself.
Historical Insights
Bursledon, a village in Hampshire, England, has a rich history shaped by its strategic location on the River Hamble and the surrounding woodlands. This setting made Bursledon an ideal site for shipbuilding, which became a significant part of its history. The village's name has evolved over centuries, becoming Brixendona in the 12th century, Burstlesden in the 14th century, and Bristelden in the 16th century. The name likely derives from Old English, meaning "Hill associated with a man called Beorhtsige".[1][2]
Shipbuilding and Merchant Heritage
Bursledon's prominence in shipbuilding began as early as the 14th century. The first substantial ship, the St George, was launched in 1338 in the presence of King Edward III. The village continued to be a hub for naval shipbuilding, with notable figures such as William Wyatt and Philemon Ewer contributing significantly to the industry. Ewer's shipyard produced several Royal Navy vessels in the 18th century, including the HMS Elephant, crucial in the Battle of Copenhagen under Lord Nelson.[2][3][4]
By the late 18th century, George Parsons was another figure in Bursledon's shipbuilding history, constructing numerous naval ships between 1780 and 1807. However, the shipbuilding industry in Bursledon declined by the 1870s, shifting the local economy towards agriculture, particularly strawberry farming. Despite this decline, there is still evidence of merchant trade during this time.[4]
The River Hamble was a vital highway for merchant ships transporting goods like brick and iron. It played a role in the broader maritime trade network, with goods distributed locally and beyond. Merchant shipbuilders in Bursledon occasionally received contracts to build naval vessels, although this was a risky endeavour, leading to financial difficulties for these shipbuilders.[4]
Agricultural and Industrial Development
Following the decline of shipbuilding, Bursledon became known for its agricultural output, especially strawberries. The village was pivotal in the strawberry trade, transporting the fruit to London and other parts of the country. The strawberry season was so important that local events, such as coronations, were postponed until after the harvest.[2]
In the late 19th century, Bursledon Brickworks was established, becoming a significant industrial site. The Brickworks, founded in 1897, produced the renowned Fareham red brick and is now preserved as the Bursledon Brickworks Museum, showcasing Victorian industrial heritage.[2][5]
Cultural Significance
Bursledon has also been a cultural landmark, serving as a filming location for the 1980s BBC TV series Howards' Way, including the pub. This series highlighted the village's maritime heritage and picturesque setting. Although unfamiliar with this show myself, as an American, this cultural reference is only small aside in this overall research.[6]
Researching Family Ties
I'm researching the period in Bursledon between 1840 and 1900 when my husband's family lived there. I've reviewed census records from 1861 to 1881, noting families of interest. More census years will be added as I go and where necessary, but I had wanted to focus to start on these years as the anchoring point for my research.
From these records, I've noted that a few mainstay families lived there through these decades and did not move. Their occupations match what I've depicted here, with a mix of agriculture or greengrocers, mariners, and brickworkers. The families are connected by marriage or blood relationships, forming a tight-knit community during this time.
Reflection
Exploring Bursledon's history so far has deepened my understanding of my husband's heritage and enriched my appreciation for this community's enduring legacy. With its maritime past and agricultural heritage, this village continues to captivate me as I uncover more about the lives of those who once called it home.
Citations:
[1] Mills, A.D. (2011). Bursledon. In: A Dictionary of British Place Names. [online] Oxford University Press. Available at: https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780199609086.001.0001/acref-9780199609086-e-2541 [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[2] British-history.ac.uk. (2024). Parishes: Bursledon | British History Online. [online] Available at: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/hants/vol3/pp283-284 [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[3] Shurlock, B. (2021). Barry Shurlock feature on the history of Hamble, Hampshire. [online] Hampshire Chronicle. Available at: https://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/19396656.barry-shurlock-feature-history-hamble-hampshire/ [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[4] Hamble History Society (2020). History of the River at Bursledon. Hamble Village Magazine, [online] (333), Mar., pp.25–27. Available at: https://hambleparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Mar-20.pdf [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
[5] Keats, M. (2024). The Brickworks Museum - The only steam driven brickworks in the UK. [online] The Brickworks Museum. Available at: https://thebrickworksmuseum.org/ [Accessed 20 Aug. 2024].
[6] Glaister, G. and Prior, A. (1985). Howards' Way. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134250/ [Accessed 20 Aug. 2024].
Other sites of interest:
Maritime Archaeology Trust. (2023). Hamble River - Maritime Archaeology Trust. [online] Available at: https://maritimearchaeologytrust.org/projects-research/hamble-river/ [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
If you look past the website's unusability, you will find some fascinating information on Hamble River archaeology here. The interactive map is challenging but has astonishing information on particular findings in this area.
Eastleigh Borough Council (2012). Old Bursledon Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Proposals: Supplementary Planning Document. [online] Available at: https://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/media/1961/old-bursledon-appraisal-and-management-proposals.pdf [Accessed 19 Aug. 2024].
This is a less exciting document, but there is a reference to Land's End Road and the Jolly Sailor pub in Bursledon Pool Conservation Area. The maps and photographs are helpful, and there is an excellent account of places of listed buildings or locations of historical significance.