Bucklers Hard
Bucklers Hard
Although only tiny this town is rich in history the two small rows of terraced Georgian houses near the mouth of the river on the Beaulieu Estate was once one of the Royal navy’s boatyards rural scene is well preserved with no motor vehicles allowed.
Originally called Montague town it was Founded in 1772 by the duke of Montague who wanted to build a port for his operations in the Caribbean, although this was never realised the small hamlet became a vital place in subsequent conflicts.
The place became a secret boatyard during the Napoleonic wars, several of nelsons man of war battleships used at Trafalgar where built here.
In more recent times it was used as a base for secret D Day preparations, with the construction of a mulberry harbour, now there is a heritage centre called the Bucklers hard story which has beautifully preserved old cottages as part of the display . The maritime museum recounts the town’s role in shipbuilding up to World War 2 as well as displaying other interesting items of maritime history.
In the summer months, pleasure craft ply the waters and summer cruises set off from the quayside.
Activities in Bucklers Hard
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