Welcome to our research resources page! Whether you’re a seasoned historian, a family history enthusiast, or simply curious about the rich past of Lymington and Milton, we hope this guide will help you on your journey.

The Lymington & Milton Historical Societies are dedicated to preserving and promoting the understanding of our local heritage.

1. Key Research Resources

We’ve compiled a list of essential resources to get you started. These include archives, libraries, and online databases that hold valuable information about the history of Lymington, Milton, and the surrounding area.

• Ancestry Explore billions of records on Ancestry.co.uk and unlock your family’s past. From census data to historical documents, our extensive resources can help you trace your lineage and build your family tree.
  https://www.ancestry.co.uk/
  
• Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT)
  Discover the story of the British Army and its impact on the world through the Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT). Explore our website for information on army museums across the UK, access resources for researchers, and learn about the history of the British Army from a wide range of perspectives.
  https://www.armymuseums.org.uk/
  
• The British Library
  Explore the world’s knowledge at the British Library, the national library of the UK. Our unparalleled collection of over 170 million items spans every age of written civilization, offering a treasure trove of books, manuscripts, maps, and more for researchers, scholars, and anyone with a thirst for knowledge. Discover our resources online and in our reading rooms.
  https://www.bl.uk/
  
• British Newspaper Archive: Searchable database of historical newspapers, providing insights into local life and events. (Subscription required).
  https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/
  
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
  Honour their sacrifice and discover your family’s connection to history with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC). Search our records to find ancestors who died in the World Wars, explore their stories of service and locate their final resting places in cemeteries and memorials worldwide. As we ensure the lasting commemoration of these brave individuals, you’ll find a moving and vital resource for genealogical research and a powerful way to remember their service.
  https://www.cwgc.org/
  
• FamilySearch: A free resource for genealogical research, including census records, parish registers, and more.
  https://www.familysearch.org/en/united-states/
  
• Uncover your British & Irish heritage with Findmypast! Explore an unparalleled collection of exclusive UK & Irish records – from parish registers to census returns – and trace your ancestors’ stories. Start your family history journey today and connect with your roots!
  https://www.findmypast.co.uk/
  
• University of Leicester Special Collections – Nichols Collection: Hampshire
  Discover historical trade ephemera related to Hampshire through the University of Leicester’s Special Collections Online. Explore digitized advertisements, trade cards, and other fascinating materials from the Nichols Collection, offering a unique glimpse into Hampshire’s commercial past.
  https://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p16445coll4/search/searchterm/Hampshire/field/place/mode/exact/conn/and/order/nosort
  
• Explore your English & Welsh ancestry for free with FreeBMD! Discover ancestors in our volunteer-led collection of transcribed birth, marriage, and death indexes (1837-1983+). Start your genealogy research today – no subscription needed!
  https://www.freebmd.org.uk/
  
• Hampshire Record Office: A comprehensive archive holding a wealth of documents relating to Hampshire, including records for Lymington and Milton.
  https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/archives
  
• Hampshire Archives and Museums (HAM)
  Delve into Hampshire’s rich past with Hampshire Archives and Museums (HAM) through our free online catalogue. Explore thousands of records, documents, and photographs, providing a central point of access to the history of Hampshire, its people, and its places. A valuable resource for researchers, historians, and family history enthusiasts alike!
  https://calm.hants.gov.uk/
  
• Imperial War Museum Library
  Delve into the history of conflict from the First World War to the present day at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) Library. Our extensive collection – encompassing books, journals, pamphlets, and unique primary sources – offers unparalleled access and invaluable insights for researchers studying the impact of war. Explore our research facilities and learn more.
  https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/research-facilities
  
• Lymington Library: Holds local history, newspapers, and other resources. Contact the library directly for details.
  https://www.hants.gov.uk/librariesandarchives/library/libraryfinder/lymington-library
  
• Milford on Sea Historical Record Society
  Delve into the history of Milford on Sea through the Milford on Sea Historical Record Society. Explore our section on the village website, providing information about local history, research, records, and events relating to Milford on Sea, Hampshire.
  https://www.milfordhistory.org.uk/ – village clubs and societies
  
• New Forest Heritage Centre
  Researchers, historians, and genealogists will find an amazing resource for New Forest history at The Christopher Tower Library, located within the New Forest Heritage Centre. Explore our extensive collection of books, documents, maps, photographs, and other materials to uncover the rich past of the New Forest and its people. Benefit from our expertise and dive into a treasure trove of local history information!
  https://www.newforestheritage.org.uk/
  
• The National Archives: Useful for national records that may relate to local events or individuals.
  https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
  
• National Library of Scotland: Ordnance Survey Six-Inch Maps of England and Wales
  Explore historical landscapes with the National Library of Scotland’s collection of Ordnance Survey Six-Inch to the Mile maps of England and Wales. This invaluable resource allows you to view detailed topographical maps from the 19th and 20th centuries, revealing changes in the landscape and providing insights into local history.
  https://maps.nls.uk/os/6inch-england-and-wales/
  
• The Red House Museum
  Discover the rich history of Christchurch and its surrounding area at The Red House Museum, located on Quay Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1BU. Explore our fascinating collections, spanning archaeology, local history, and the natural world, with engaging exhibits for all ages. Plan your memorable visit today and step back in time!
  https://www.dorsetmuseums.co.uk/
  
• St Barbe Museum
  Discover the captivating story of Lymington and the New Forest coast at the St Barbe Museum, located on New Street in the heart of Lymington. Explore our diverse collections and engaging exhibits, showcasing the area’s maritime heritage, local history, and unique coastal identity. A must-visit for all ages! Plan your memorable visit today.
  https://www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/

2. Links to other Local Historical Societies

• Beaulieu History Society
  Discover the rich history of Beaulieu and its surrounding area through the Beaulieu History Society. Explore our website for information about our talks, visits, research projects, and publications, all dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Beaulieu, Hampshire.
  https://beaulieuhistorysociety.org.uk/
  
• Boldre Parish Historical Society
  Discover the history of Boldre parish through the Boldre Parish Historical Society. Explore our website for information about local history research, events, publications, and resources relating to the parish of Boldre, Hampshire.
  https://www.boldreparishhistoricalsociety.co.uk/
  
• Christchurch History Society
  Explore the history of Christchurch, Dorset, with the Christchurch History Society. Visit our website to find details of our meetings, publications, research, and other activities dedicated to preserving and promoting the fascinating history of Christchurch.
  https://www.historychristchurch.org.uk/
  
• Fordingbridge and District Historical Society
  Discover the history of Fordingbridge and the surrounding district with the Fordingbridge and District Historical Society. Explore our website for information about our meetings, outings, research projects, and publications, all dedicated to exploring and preserving the history of our local area.
  https://www.fordingbridgehistorysociety.org.uk/
  
• Lymington Town and Village Appreciation Society (LTVAS)
  Help preserve and enhance the character of Lymington and surrounding villages with the Lymington Town and Village Appreciation Society (LTVAS). Explore our website for information about our activities, projects, and campaigns focused on protecting the heritage and amenities of our unique local area.
  https://www.ltvas.org.uk/

3. Our Published Papers & Research

The Lymington & Milton Historical Societies have published numerous papers and articles over the years, covering a wide range of local history topics. These are a valuable source of in-depth research.

In order to get the most out of research it is essential to be computer literate and have access to the internet. 

This, to some people may seem daunting, but there is always help available, even possibly free classes at your local community centre.  

Even if you do not own a computer, most local libraries nowadays have several to use, often free of charge. It is possible to research ‘the old way’ but this is more costly and time-consuming.