Martin Brisland – författare

A World Heritage Site since 1999, the New Forest is not that new and not really a forest. Only half is wooded with the rest being mainly gorse, heathland, mudflats and farms. It was created around 1079 for William the Conqueror as an exclusive royal hunting ground, especially for deer, and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Nova Foresta’. Still 90 per cent of the forest is Crown land, although King James II was the last monarch to hunt there, in 1686. It has also retained its ancient governing system of Verderers, Agisters and 500 Commoners.In Secret New Forest, author Martin Brisland has unearthed fascinating facts, little-known personalities and places in the history of the New Forest and reveals the history below its surface. With tales of remarkable characters, unusual events and tucked-away or disappeared historical buildings and locations, Secret New Forest will appeal to all those with an interest in the history of this area of southern England.

Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since the Middle Ages. As a gateway to the country, over the centuries Southampton has welcomed people from all over the world, as well as being an important embarkation point, most famously for the Mayflower and Titanic, the former evidence of its Nonconformist tradition. The town grew rapidly following the building of the docks in the nineteenth century and the development of the shipbuilding industry, particularly with companies such as Thornycroft and Harland & Wolff and the aviation industry as the birthplace of the Spitfire but its importance in the Second World War, including its naval base, meant that it became a target for aerial bombardment and much of the city was destroyed. In subsequent decades the city was rebuilt and today has been redeveloped as a commercial and financial centre, but retaining its many green spaces, and proud of its traditions and the many famous names associated with the city over the years.Building on the author’s previous titles Secret Southampton and A–Z of Southampton, Celebrating Southampton chronicles the proud heritage of Southampton, its important moments and what draws so many to this dynamic city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Southampton’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. This book will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Southampton has been a major port on the south coast of England since the Norman Conquest, when it was a significant departure route for trade to Normandy, as well as for invading forces. Its position meant it was also potentially threatened by forces from abroad and extensive defences were built over the centuries, from its medieval walls to Tudor fortifications along the Solent. In the nineteenth century Southampton Docks were developed and the strategic importance of the city, as well as vital manufacturing sites such as the Supermarine Spitfire factory, meant that Southampton was heavily targeted by German aerial bombardment during the Second World War with heavy destruction of life and buildings. Today Southampton is a major commercial centre and has attracted new industries.Illustrated throughout, this accessible historical portrait of the transformation that Southampton has undergone through the ages will be of great interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.

The market town of Romsey lies on the River Test in Hampshire, on the border of the New Forest. The medieval settlement grew around its wealthy abbey, and the abbey church is still one of the glories of the town today. Woollen and tanning industries also brought prosperity to the area, and the town later became a brewing centre. The large country house of Broadlands was built on the abbey’s land after the Dissolution of the Monasteries and became home to Prime Minister Palmerston in the nineteenth century and later Lord Mountbatten. Today IBM is based nearby. In A–Z of Romsey, author Martin Brisland reveals the history behind the town, its streets and buildings, industries and the people connected with the place. Alongside the famous historical connections, he includes some unusual characters, tucked-away places and unique events that are less well-known. Readers will discover tales of science and innovation, lifeboats and brewing, honeymooning royalty, presidents and politicians among many other fascinating facts in this A–Z tour of Romsey’s history. Fully illustrated, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in this historic Hampshire town.