Pictures of Calmore
About Calmore
Lively district within the commuter belt for Southampton which is not quite, but almost, on Southampton Water. It's name in Old English means Cabbage Marshes and it is assumed this bears some reference to it being in close proximity to the River Test. In the 18th-century Seakale was a local "wild-food" delicacy collected from the banks of Southampton Water where it grew in profusion, it was sold to the high class houses and restaurants of London by a local man.
Historically, there is evidence of pre-historic peoples, of the Iron-Age and of the Romans. The area could hardly have been missed by the Saxon's who landed at Southampton Water. Extensive Iron-Age earthworks can still be seen in the area to this day. Hence, we are assured this is an old historic region.
Despite being a short distance inland the village has a tradition of boat building, it has also founded its fortunes on the business of Glove making and Lace making. Vast agricultural lands gave employment to the men of the area for many centuries and does so to this day.
This popular region is surrounded by fine countryside, young ponies can be seen cantering across fields and there are many species of wildlife including deer, badger, squirrel, rabbit and fox. Calmore is adjacent to the mystical New Forest, once hunted by Royalty and now the haunt of wild ponies, many species of birds and other creatures of the wild.
A strong community spirit prevails in Calmore, much of village life is centred around the church dedicated to St. Anne, and the much used local village hall. Interestingly, this happy place has the reputation of being a "haunted village" a cook was murdered at Great Testwood House, Cook's Lane in the village is named for her. She is reputed to haunt the lane on the anniversary of her death and her ghost is believed to appear at Great Testwood House. Many tales surround this house including the fact that one room is bricked up and never used. The house later belonged to William and Humbert the Sherry importers - something in the sherry perhaps!
This is an interesting place, despite its domestic expansion it has managed to retain a pleasant atmosphere and has much rural charm.
