Buckler's Hard Shipyard Trust

24/06/2026

Traditional boatbuilding crafts day last Saturday.. what a lot of fun and amazing participants. Thank you to all who visited, volunteered and especially the sponsors , Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, and RDW and SNR for support. Boat Building Academy Lyme Regis, Tools for Self Reliance, HMS Victory Caulkers, Historic sailmaker Sarah Liscoe, Sue Pennison Rope maker, Sam Fletcher Classic Shipwright services, Blacksmiths David and Gino, and all the many carpenters who had just made the Capstan and Sheerlegs under teachers Henry and John Russell. Hopefully the first of many at Buckler's Hard

20/06/2026

First turning of the Crab capstan on the top of the shipyard bank .. come to Bucklers hard today to see this amazing piece of historic shipyard infrastructure pull a boat up the Slip way .

19/06/2026

Hot work today in the sun for the carpenters.. rush to get finished for tomorrow to demonstrate the Capstans working in the slipway area

19/06/2026

All handmade parts of working shipyard Capstans in construction ready for demonstrating on Saturday-amazing amount of hard work done to make from Beaulieu Oak

19/06/2026

Sheer legs winch coming along for demonstrations in the morning

19/06/2026

Step Back in Time: The Buckler's Hard Wartime Weekend is Here! 🪖

Buckler's Hard is hosting its highly anticipated Wartime Weekend this weekend.

🗓️ Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 June 2026.
⏰ 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
🎟️ Free admission to the village, exhibition, and event spaces (parking charges apply for those driving).
📍 Buckler's Hard Village, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire, SO42 7XB.

This free, immersive event transforms the historic New Forest riverside village into a living history hub. It honours the vital, hidden role that the Beaulieu River and local community played in World War II and the preparations for D-Day.

☀️ The sun is shining across Hampshire this weekend, making it the perfect time to head down, explore the military displays, and soak up the vintage atmosphere.

Don't Miss These Event Highlights

• Step Aboard HMS Medusa: Explore a rare, surviving WWII Harbour Defence Motor Launch moored directly on the river.
• Beaulieu River at War Exhibition: View the newly launched gallery curated by local historian Marc Heighway, complete with artefacts and a 10-minute archive film.
• High Street Military Vehicles: Get up close to authentic WWII Jeeps and trucks and speak with their passionate owners.
• Live Sunday Show: Enjoy We'll Meet Again: A Day to Remember, a moving theatrical performance of wartime music and poetry.

🎤 Free Talks in the Riverside Tent

Head down to the marquee to hear expert guest speakers share incredible stories of Hampshire’s wartime heritage:

• HMS Medusa: A D-Day Veteran Motor Launch
• The Beaulieu River at War
• Family Stories of WWII

🛠️ Meet the Local Heritage Experts

Chat with interactive exhibitors throughout the weekend, including the Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA), Solent Sky Museum, the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team (CART), and the Exbury AA Gunsite Group.

Grab your sunglasses, bring the family, and experience a fascinating look into Hampshire's heroic past!

19/06/2026

How did shipbuilders move whole ships before modern machinery? 🪵⚓️ Human power, traditional tools, and a whole lot of leverage!

We’re building two traditional capstans and a pair of shear legs using nothing but traditional and historic techniques. Want to see them in action?

Come down to Buckler's Hard for the Traditional Ship and Boatbuilding Craft Day TOMORROW to experience the fun!

📍 Buckler’s Hard
📅 Saturday 20th June

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

Human powered lathe making a capstan shaft.

19/06/2026

Henry Russell doing some turning with his human powered lathe. Making parts for the Capstans.