Fordingbridge is a small town on the River Avon in the west of Hampshire, England, near to the Dorset and Wiltshire borders and on the edge of the New Forest. Fordingbridge is an historic market town with a population of 6,000 on the banks of the River Avon, close to the New Forest, and within easy reach of the city of Salisbury, and the seaside resort of Bournemouth.

Fordingbridge was recorded in the Domesday Book and derives its name from “Forde” and “bridge”. The first Great Bridge, built in mediaeval times, is upstream from the ford. The bridge is a major feature of the town with its seven graceful arches, which can be seen very easily from the town’s large riverside park where you can walk along the riverbank draped with willows and waterside plants. Close by is a children’s play area, secluded memorial gardens, and sports playing fields.

In Kings Yard you will find the Fordingbridge Museum which houses good local history, and the Visitor Information Centre. Fordingbridge is twinned with Vimoutiers in Normandy and celebrated their 20th Anniversary in 2002. Visit the website - www.mairie-vimoutiers.fr

A few yards from the High Street is the parish church of St. Mary. Largely built in 1150 it has some typical Norman characteristics.

Once an industrial and commercial centre, Fordingbridge boasted many trades and was noted for its smuggling and the infamous Captain Diamond, the “Smuggler King” spent much of his time in a local hostelry. A bronze statute of the controversial painter, Augustus John, stands on the banks of the Avon near the Great Bridge.

External links

• Fordingbridge Town Council
• Breamore Parish Council
• Sandleheath Parish Council
• Fordingbridge Web Site