Buckler’s Hard definitely not a hard day out
On a Tuesday morning in early June, two minibuses of members of the Friends of Romsey Abbey set off for Buckler’s Hard. The weather certainly wasn’t with us but it didn’t dim the enthusiasm for the day in any way.
On arrival, most opted for coffee (and cake for some) before setting off around the village during which time the rain pretty much stopped making the walk to the Museum and Gift Shop that much easier. The Museum is quite extraordinary with well presented displays, artefacts and tableaux as well as a film. All this illustrating the history of the area from the time of the Cistercian monks in the 13th century to its time as a shipyard from the construction of Admiral Nelson’s favourite ship – HMS Agamemnon – which was built and launched at Buckler’s Hard in 1781. The Museum was an amazing experience in itself and clearly it would be possible to spend the whole day there, although perhaps a bit of an information overload!
It was then time for lunch some opting to eat at the Captain’s Table café, some at Henry’s and others at the Master Builder’s House. Lunch over there was time for a walk in the rain (no surprise there for some down to the Shipwright’s Gallery where a film was shown on the building of the Agamemnon which filled the time until the boat trip. This, whilst pleasant with a great deal more information given about the area along the estuary, due to the rain it wasn’t easy to see everything clearly, but nonetheless enjoyable.
Back on terra firma it was time to wend our way up the path to the car park where our carriages awaited for the return journey to Romsey. Thanks to Jill Hall for arranging the visit as well as Dick Hewett and Rob Gower for driving.
Galleries
