Buckler’s Hard in the New Forest is set to take centre stage in an upcoming episode of Digging for Britain on BBC Two, airing on 21 January at 9pm. The programme will offer viewers a fascinating insight into the 18th-century shipbuilding village and the recent archaeological excavations carried out on its historic slipway.
Earlier this year, the Digging for Britain team joined archaeologists on site, working alongside the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, to investigate the village’s 18th-century slipway. This complex excavation provided fresh understanding of historic shipbuilding techniques, craftsmanship, and the daily lives of those who worked at the shipyard.
The episode shines a spotlight on Buckler’s Hard’s rich maritime heritage and its vital contribution to the Royal Navy during the 18th century, revealing how this small riverside village played a significant role in shaping Britain’s naval power.
The excavation was overseen by Mary Montagu-Scott, Chair of the Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust, in collaboration with the University of Southampton’s Centre for Maritime Archaeology, led by Professor Jon Adams and Dr Rodrigo Ortiz-Vazquez. They were supported by students and volunteers from the New Forest National Park Authority, the Maritime Archaeology Trust, as well as local volunteers and community members.
Many of the artefacts uncovered during the dig are now on display in the Shipwrights Gallery, alongside the history of the shipyard and what has been learnt about the newly revealed 18th-century structures. The exhibition will run until April.
Dig to continue in 2026
Following the excavation, the area was carefully backfilled to protect the exposed structures. Further archaeological investigation is planned for summer 2026, when the dig will continue into the lower intertidal area, where the remains are expected to be even better preserved.
The Buckler’s Hard Shipyard Trust is dedicated to bringing the story of the shipyard to life, from its medieval origins through its peak shipbuilding years in the 18th and 19th centuries, its role during the Second World War, and the global legacy of the ships built there. The Trust’s mission is to preserve the unique heritage for future generations. Find out more at https://bhshipyardtrust.org.uk/.
Buckler’s Hard is open seven days a week in the heart of the New Forest National Park. Visitors can explore the picturesque riverside village and Buckler’s Hard Museum, as well as enjoy the free exhibition and film in the Shipwrights Workshop, HMS Agamemnon – Navigating the Legend, which tells the story of Nelson’s favourite ship and offers views of the adjacent historic slipway.
Buckler’s Hard is easily accessible by foot, car, motorbike, or bicycle. A small parking charge applies for cars, contributing to the upkeep of the historic village.
The Digging for Britain episode will also be available on BBC iPlayer after broadcast.
