Beaulieu, Hampshire

Beaulieu (pronounced BYOO-lee) is a small village located on the south eastern edge of the New Forest national park in Hampshire, England.

Related Topics:
Village - New Forest - Hampshire - England

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Palace House (not to be confused with the Palace of Beaulieu in Essex), which overlooks the village from across Beaulieu River, began in 1204 as the gatehouse to Beaulieu Abbey, and has been the ancestral home of the a branch of the Montagu family since 1538, when it was bought from the crown following the disolution of the monastries by Henry VIII. The house was extended in the 16th century, and again in the 19th century, and is today a fine example of a gothic country house. Although still home to the current Lord and Lady Montagu, parts of the house and gardens are open daily to the public. It is a member of the Treasure Houses of England consortium.

Related Topics:
Palace of Beaulieu - Beaulieu River - Beaulieu Abbey - Montagu - Treasure Houses of England

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The village is also home to the British National Motor Museum. The museum, opened as the Montagu Motor Museum in 1952, becoming a charitable trust in 1972, contains an important collection of historic motor vehicles, including four world land speed record holders: Sir Malcolm Campbell's 1924 Blue-Bird and son Donald Campbell's 1964 Bluebird CN7, plus the 1927 1000hp Sunbeam (the first motor car to break 200 miles per hour) and the 1929 Irving-Napier Special 'Golden Arrow', both driven by Major Henry Segrave.

Related Topics:
National Motor Museum - Museum - Malcolm Campbell - Donald Campbell - Motor car - Henry Segrave

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The hamlet of Bucklers Hard, situated on the Beaulieu river and part of the 9000 acre (36 km²) Beaulieu Estate was the birthplace of many British naval vessels, including many of Admiral Nelson's fleet, and today houses a small maritime museum, plus a modern yachting marina.

Related Topics:
Bucklers Hard - Beaulieu river - Marina

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Beaulieu village has remained largely unspoilt by progress, and is a favourite tourist stop for visitors to the New Forest, and also for birders seeking local specialities like Dartford Warbler, Honey Buzzard and Hobby. The nearest railway station is Beaulieu Road, which is located several miles away on the London-Weymouth main line.

Related Topics:
Dartford Warbler - Honey Buzzard - Hobby - Beaulieu Road - London-Weymouth main line

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