Library &
Archive
The Christopher Tower
Our Library and Archive is dedicated to Christopher Tower (1915 - 1998).
Christopher was a man large in stature and large in interests - an Arabian scholar, a diplomat, soldier, author, collector and traveller - who came to the New Forest late in life and acquired a great interest in its life and traditions.
You can find out more about Christopher Tower here - New Forest Knowledge
We share the stories of the New Forest, preserving and understanding the past, enhancing learning and sharing knowledge with future generations.
Thousands of Hidden Stories
Home to 50,000 books, manuscripts, maps and ephemera
Our small team of archivists and volunteers work behind the scenes, cataloguing and managing our diverse collections to make them more accessible for all.
From great classical works and notable biographies, to guides on the Forest and the forgotten histories of artists and traveller communities, we have a lot to share with you.
Along with papers of the governing authorities of the New Forest, scientific studies and the best collection of maps of the area.
Highlights from the Archive
Extensive natural history collection, including observational notes from naturalist and filmmaker, Eric Ashby
Collected drawings and carvings by esoteric artist, Tom Charman (1863-1939)
Woodland and forestry records and reports
Oral histories collected from a wide range of local communities
Archival content from Félicité Hardcastle of Burley, Ted Baker of Ringwood and the Crosthwaite-Eyre family of Bramshaw
The New Forest Knowledge website which is the online portal for historical information on the forest
Most of our collection is digitised and searchable via the New Forest Knowledge Gateway
Online Catalogues
Book your visit to the library
We are open Monday to Friday, by appointment.
Arranging your visit
To help you make the most of your visit, please let us know in advance your area of research, and where possible, a list of materials you would like to access.
Contact us by email at library@newforestheritage.org.uk or by phone on 02380 286150 to book your visit.
