In the year 1888, as the Victorian era was in full swing, intrepid travellers venturing to the picturesque Hampshire countryside and its alluring southern coastline could equip themselves with an indispensable companion: a comprehensive guidebook.
For the princely sum of ten shillings, equivalent to a substantial £50 in today's currency, adventurers could purchase this invaluable tome. A testament to its popularity, the book was already on its fourth edition, a remarkable achievement for the time.
The compiler of this literary treasure trove took great pride in its creation, meticulously outlining the process in the introduction. "The handbook has been drawn up from a careful personal exploration of the country, aided by the most recent information obtainable from residents," the editor proudly declared. This dedication to accuracy and detail is evident throughout the pages. At the time, Hampshire held the esteemed position of the eighth largest county in England, boasting an impressive expanse of 1,070,216 acres, or roughly 1,672 square miles.
These figures stand in contrast to the county's current dimensions of approximately 1,400 square miles, a reduction primarily attributed to boundary alterations over the decades.
(Image: Echo)
To put the county's population into perspective, the 1881 census recorded a total of 593,470 Hampshire residents. Fast forward to 2018, and this number had swelled to an estimated 1.376 million. This significant population growth is all the more remarkable considering the county's diminished size, as parts of West Hampshire were incorporated into Dorset during boundary changes.
The guidebook commences its exploration with the bustling port town of Southampton. While initial descriptions may not paint the most flattering picture, readers are soon transported to the county's more charming and idyllic corners as the narrative unfolds.
“Like other seaports, it has its low dirty quarters, but of late years what may be considered a new town, and all around is an air of bustle and activity befitting a place at, and from which, many of the finest ocean going steamships arrive and depart daily,’‘ says the book’s anonymous author.
“It is as a packet station that it is now so important, and it would deserve a visit on that account, even if it had nothing to interest the antiquary.
“The large packet ships lining the docks are usually shown for a small fee, which goes to the town’s infirmary as the admirable fittings and accommodations are well worth inspecting.’‘ A potential visitor to Southampton is urged by the guidebook to visit the High Street, and is reminded that it was previously known as English Street.
The guidebook says: “The High Street is one of the fairest streets in England. It is more than a mile long, nearly straight, of fair width, and an abundance of bow-windows.
(Image: Echo)
“The shops are handsome, and a great deal of trade is carried on, presenting a gay and bustling appearance, especially from 3pm and 5pm.’’ Another essential place to visit, according to the guidebook, was the “great Military Hospital’’ established south of Netley Abbey overlooking Southampton Water.
“Connected by a straggling line of mean houses, and beershops, the hospital was established immediately after the Crimean War to supply a want then severely felt,’’ says the book.
“Many objections were made to the site, in Parliament and elsewhere, on the score of the supposed unhealthiness of the mud banks at low water.
“Experience, however, has proved that these objections are unfounded, and that the position is as salubrious as it is convenient.’’ The main hospital, which was demolished in the 1960s, was striking because of its immense length, which was a little less than a quarter of a mile long.
According to the guide book: “The hospital contains 138 wards and 1,065 beds, while the corridor, used for exercise, runs along each of the three stories, and in fine weather marquees are pitched on the lawn in front, well provided with seats for convalescents.’’
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