In the heart of England's South, Hampshire has a rich history that's as sweet as the strawberries it's famous for. This story is a journey through time, uncovering the fascinating tale of how this county became a summer fruit powerhouse.
A Strawberry Legacy
For over a century, Hampshire has been the go-to place for England's first strawberries of the season. It's a legacy that's deeply rooted in the county's unique soil and climate conditions. The late 19th century marked a turning point, with Hampshire transforming into a major strawberry-growing hub.
The Railway Revolution
The development of railways was a game-changer. It allowed farmers to pick their strawberries in the morning and have them on the London market the same day. Swanwick station, on the Portsmouth-Southampton line, became a bustling hub, with strawberries taking center stage.
"It wasn't people filling up the platforms; it was strawberries," says BBC Radio Solent's Rose Lyle, highlighting the unique role of the railways in Hampshire's strawberry story.
A Farmer's Vision
The strawberry-growing industry in Locksheath and Warsash can be traced back to farmer Lewis Linn, who arrived in the area in the late 1880s. Linn recognized the potential of the soil's good drainage and the abundance of sunlight, making it ideal for strawberry cultivation.
"He thought it'd be perfect for growing strawberries," says Jo Burnham from Warsash Local History Society, emphasizing Linn's foresight.
The Strawberry Boom
At the peak of the strawberry-growing boom, an incredible 20,000 tonnes of berries were loaded daily at Botley and Swanwick stations. These early-morning trains, known as "strawberry specials," were a testament to the industry's scale and importance.
"Growers from across the county were keen to get their produce on board," adds Brian Goodall, a fourth-generation strawberry grower in the New Forest.
A Seasonal Effort
Strawberry picking was a massive seasonal undertaking, involving local workers and traveling communities alike. A letter from a schoolmaster in Titchfield in 1880, now held in the Hampshire Archives, illustrates the impact of strawberry picking on school attendance.
"Strawberry picking is given as the reason" for the absence of 37 children, the schoolmaster wrote, highlighting the economic importance of the fruit.
A Decline and a Legacy
After World War Two, Hampshire's strawberry-growing industry began to decline as the county struggled to compete with imported berries from Europe, which were much earlier and cheaper. However, strawberries remain an integral part of Hampshire's identity.
"Strawberries will forever be a part of Hampshire's identity," says Lyle, pointing to the heritage variety names found in local pubs and the popular Strawberry Trail walking route.
A Lasting Impact
Hampshire's strawberry heyday is a story of innovation, hard work, and a deep connection to the land. It's a legacy that continues to sweeten the county's identity and attract visitors seeking a taste of this unique history.
"It's a story that's as delicious as the strawberries themselves," Lyle concludes, leaving us with a tasty reminder of Hampshire's rich past.
