Fordingbridge
From Free net encyclopedia
Template:GBdot 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. The Avon Valley Path passes through the town.
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, parks and sports playing fields.
The Fordingbridge Museum [1], which houses local history exhibits, and the Visitor Information Centre are located in King's Yard. Since 1982 Fordingbridge has been twinned with Vimoutiers in Normandy. [2]
Image:River Avon and bridge at Fordingbridge.JPG Not far from the High Street is the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin. 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. The infamous Captain Diamond, the “Smuggler King”, spent much of his time in a local hostelry. A bronze statue of the controversial painter, Augustus John, stands on the banks of the Avon near the Great Bridge.
The local comprehensive school is The Burgate School And Sixth Form Centre, which is situated in the northern outskirts of the town.