Historical background to the site of Little Woodham

The site chosen for the construction of the hamlet was selected because of its availability, not historical precedent. There is no record of an occupied site here and no geographical reason why one should have existed. Little Woodham, therefore, is a reconstructed hamlet drawing upon typical elements represented in similar hamlets in southern England. The range of crafts and occupations presented is considerably more than could normally be expected in a small hamlet, but this has been done deliberately to offer the widest educational experience for visitors.

The Society has located the hamlet in the historical Parish of Rowner and allied it to the nearby Grange Farm, which existed in the 17th century. This allows us to use an agricultural base for the hamlet, which is typical of most rural parishes of the period. The location also allows us to draw on the history of the surrounding towns, e.g. Portsmouth and Southampton, to widen the historical interpretation.

We ask our visitors, young and old, to suspend disbelief for an hour or two, and take a journey into an image of the past. Please do not forget ­ we rely heavily on your participation, so please question us, the more you ask, the more you will know. Finally, we wish you an enjoyable visit, one which we hope you will recommend to your friends and wish to return again.