The River Avon runs through the town of Fordingbridge which lies 13 miles south of Salisbury. To the east is the New Forest and to the west are the Western Downlands and Cranborne Chase. The current population is approximately 5,700 people.

Fordingbridge is surrounded by villages and hamlets including Bickton, Breamore, Godshill, Hyde, Damerham, Rockbourne and Woodgreen.

 

It is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name Forde. The area has been populated from early times and the remains of the Roman occupation is evident at the Rockbourne Roman Villa. 

The first Great Bridge, from which the town received its present name, was built in mediaeval times. The bridge is built of local stone and has a total of 7 arches spanning the river . Although it has been subject to various works over the years it remains a major feature of the town and it is visible from the riverbank.

 

The town enjoys a beautiful park where visitors and locals can take advantage of the river, the children’s play area, secluded memorial gardens and sports playing fields. 

A bronze statue of the controversial painter, Augustus John, stands on the banks of the Avon near the Great Bridge.

 

Not far from the High Street is the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin which has some typical Norman characteristics. The Fordingbridge Museum, which houses local history exhibits, and the Information Office are located in King's Yard. 

 

Fordingbridge Hospital was small community hospital on the site of a Victorian workhouse. Most of the old buildings remain but the inpatient ward is a more recent addition(now closed). The town's medical centre is on the same site in Bartons Road Since 1982 Fordingbridge has been twinned with Vimoutiers in Normandy. Fordingbridge is also home to Fordingbridge Turks FC, one of the 50 oldest football clubs in England, established circa 1868. The Turks name seems to derive from the determination shown by Ottoman forces at the Siege of Plevna.