Entry to the Christopher Tower Library is Free
The Reference Library contains many thousands of books covering a wide variety of Forest-related topics. A few are shown below.
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The New Forest - Its history and scenery by John WiseThis classic book provides a fascinating insight to the Forest as it was in mid-Victorian times. Much of it is still relevant today and provides an ideal introduction into the history of the area. Wise, a keen walker, toured the area talking to local experts, making notes and taking with him the young illustrator Walter Crane. |
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Guide to The New Forest by W.H. RodgersRodgers guides are a useful contemporary look at the amenities in and around the Forest at the turn of the century. Updated frequently, the Library has several editions. They are worth looking at for the advertisements alone. |
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A Guide to the New Forest by Heywood SumnerFirst produced in 1924 this book came in two editions:- with and without advertisements. The text and illustrations were otherwise identical and give a view of the world through the eyes of an artist and archaeologist. For a compact guide this has never been bettered. |
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1858 Register of Claims to Forest RightsThis book lists properties with Forest rights of commoning, turbary, pannage, marl and estovers and is still in use today. Along with the slightly earlier Abstract of Claims it provides a guide to Forest usage that had changed little over the centuries. |
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The New Forest by Charles Cornish, 1894This well illustrated book adds to the literature of the New Forest by its tales and anecdotes. The author tells a good tale and clearly enjoys the wildlife of the area. |
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New Forest Shooting by Charles Dallas, 1927Dallas's record of enthusiastic hunting in recalled in this record of his exploits over many decades. The lengths he went too to obtain the record bags he achieved may not be considered 'PC' now but were part of the times he lived in. |
Comyn's New Forest (1817) edited by Jude JamesThis book is similar to the trade directories that appeared later in the century and has been considerablly enhanced by the detailed notes provided by the editor. |
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The New Forest at WarThis is one of a number of files that has been assembled on a variety of subjects over many years and provides not only a useful overview of the subject but often great detail on people and places. Other volumes include forest personalities, places and almost every subject that has played a part in the use and administration of the Forest over a thousand years. |
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New Forest Discoveries by Stephen MogridgeA whole series of childrens New Forest .... titles were written and published in the mid 20th century. The tales are generally lively and written with first hand knowledge of the Forest. |
