The Hampshire Family Historian | Vol.49 No.2 | September 2022

Book Review

by G D Hope The Normans to Queen Victoria 800 Years in Droxford

This 54-page booklet is a very welcome reprint of the 1980 edition which has long been unavailable. The 1980 edition had updated and amplified two previous publications: ‘Droxford - “A Hampshire Village, its History and its Church “(1955) and “The Village of Droxford and the Meon Valley” (1970). Covering 800 years of history, this excellent booklet is divided into 8 chapters covering specific time periods helpfully named: eg ‘Before the Conquest’, Stuart Droxford, Regency and Victorian Droxford etc., these headings help to provide an easy timeline to follow over the eight centuries of history, The early years focus is on placenames, as few personal names were recorded, although in a Winchester Pipe roll for 1210 a few names of the villagers are noted: eg. ‘Henry the smith paid 3s 0d for his daughter to marry’. From 1250 onwards names and buildings become more identifiable and increase with much more detail as more records become available. The book describes the manors, their lords and the work and activities and possessions of the villagers of Droxford, as well as details of their wills and inventories. The book is rich in names and details. For the family historian an index of the names would have been a useful addition to this well researched booklet. The book is also illustrated with helpful photos

and maps. The coloured centrefold reproduces a painting of Droxford Mill by William Evans ‘of Eton’ which is not dissimilar to Constable’s ‘Haywain’ in its subject matter. Both local and family historians will find much of interest in this book and a copy is held at our HGS office in Winchester. Copies can also be obtained from Droxford Post Office, Wilfrid's Cafe in Droxford church and from me on my email or phone Stuart Attrill on 01489 878500. The cost is £5 and postage will be plus £1.50.

Are you looking for that elusive family history book? Or one on local history? Perhaps we can help – contact Tony at bookstall@hgs-online.org.uk

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