Bramshaw was partly in Wiltshire and partly in Hampshire until the 'County of Southampton Act 1894' placed it all into Hampshire.  The County boundary ran through the churchyard.  There were separate parish councils, one for Bramshaw (Hampshire) and one for Bramshaw (Wiltshire), which survived as Bramshaw (West) and Bramshaw (East) until 1932 when they were unified.  The name Bramshaw means Bramble Wood.

An excellent view can be had from Pipers Wait (SU246 164), the highest point in the New Forest (128m above sea level).  Stone-age implements have been found in the parish and there are remains of Bronze-Age and Iron-Age barrows.

In the Domesday survey of 1086, Bramessage is mentioned as the location of two estates in Wiltshire held by Odo of Bayeaux, as overlord.

These and other estates in the area have changed hands many times. Warrens was purchased in 1798 by Mr. George Eyre and is held by descendants today.

Schultze Gunpowder Factory

Gunpowder for sporting guns was first made at Eyeworth in 1859. Subsequently  Edward Schultze, an artillery captain in the Prussian Army, took over the factory and made the first successful smokeless powder. The complex comprised some 60 buildings.

Some old photos from Bramshaw.

Cows in the Snow /Cider Making /Threashing 1 /Threashing 2

Further Information

Parishes: Bramshaw : A History of the County of Hampshire: Volume 4
William Page: Published 1911
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