The History of Brockenhurst

The name of the village comes from the Norman name of Brocest, which is how the settlement is recorded in the Domesday Book. It lies within the New Forest created by William the Conqueror in 1079. The only evidence we see of human settlement prior to this date are some unusual Bronze Age burial mounds.

The growth of nearby Lymington, which had become a centre for the processing of sea water to produce salt, helped the development of Brockenhurst. At the beginning of the 18th century the busy road from Lymington to the North helped spur the development of lodgings and inns in the village.

The arrival of the railway in the 19th century saw Brockenhurst transformed, as tourists began to arrive to the area to enjoy the same lovely countryside and gentle charms which are still on offer today.

The First World War saw many injured Indian and New Zealand soldiers come to Brockenhust for convalescence purposes. St Nicholas' church contains graves of some of these soldiers.

Brockenhurst also played an important role in the Second World War, the building which is now known as the Balmer Lawn Hotel hosting planning meetings between the likes of Eisenhower and Montgomery.