PUBLICATIONS

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BOOKS

MEMORIES OF BITTERNE by Irene Pilson	Out of Print
MORE MEMORIES OF BITTERNE by Irene Pilson	Out of Print
BITTERNE - A VILLAGE REMEMBERED - BLHS	Out of Print
MEMORIES OF MERRY OAK ESTATE - 1930-1950 by Joan Rolfe	Out of Print
BITTERNE BEFORE THE BY-PASS - BLHS Photographs and information about shops, houses, people and the roads in Bitterne, before the Bypass was built in 1982. Views of properties now demolished and roads now changed beyond all recognition make this a nostalgic trip for all former residents of the period. The many reproductions of shop advertisments and receipts will also arouse many recollections of a time when shopping was totally different from that in modern supermarkets. 100 A4 pages	£3.00
MEMORIES OF MERRY OAK by Reg Ward Photographs and recollections of Merry Oak School 1935-1952, by a former teacher at the school. The reminiscences and subsequent careers of many contributors will interest their former school companions and the book is a must for all ex-pupils and staff of this period. 60 A4 pages	£1.50
BITTERNE - IMAGES OF ENGLAND SERIES (Tempus Publishers) - BLHS A well produced 128 page book with over 220 high quality photographs, many of which have not previously been published. Within the covers are pictures showing life in Bitterne Village in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including: the local gentry and their magnificent homes, shops, public houses and churches. There are also special sections devoted to, amongst other subjects, transport, wartime, entertainment and sport	£5.99
THE STORY OF MERRY OAK SCHOOL by Eddie Croxson This Southampton School closed in 1984 and among the artefacts that Bitterne Local History Society acquired was a complete set of the school magazines that were published annually from 1948 until closure. Opening and reading these magazines is like opening a time capsule buried for future generations. Eddie Croxson has successfully extracted articles, including the photographs, showing the changes to education nationally and locally after the 1939-45 war and many stories and articles written by the pupils themselves. The book also includes reports from the 4 Headmasters covering this period, Mr Permain, Mr Haslam, Mr Ford and Mr Shaw. A book to be enjoyed by past pupils and staff of this period! 58 A4 pages	£4.95
HENRY BRAIN: A VICTORIAN & EDWARDIAN PHOTOGRAPHER by Jim Brown Two hitherto undiscovered albums of photographs that survived the wartime 'Blitz' on Southampton have been the basis of this book, published by Bitterne Local History Society. Henry Brain was a builder and amateur photographer who took an interest in everything around him. The 246 photographs, taken between c.1890 and 1910, have never before been published. They give fascinating glimpses of people enjoying themselves on the Southampton Common, at fairs, carnivals, sporting activities, and of circus and other processions. There are pictures of the town walls, monuments, churches, public houses, bridges, trams, railways and motor vehicles, and views of Southampton Docks and a wide variety of ships. He also snapped troops landing in Capetown during the Boer War and of areas around Southampton including Cowes on the Isle of Wight and the New Forest. 60 A4 pages	Out of Print
SOUTHAMPTON MEMORIALS OF CARE FOR MAN AND BEAST by A.G.K. Leonard Something new in Southampton's history, a whole book about drinking fountains and horse troughs. Surviving blitz and redevelopment, there are 14 of them still to be found around the city, 11 of them officially Grade II listed as buildings of special historic and architectural interest. Local historian Alan Leonard, author of many local history books, has thoroughly researched the history of the memorials, as well as those who donated them, and this account contains much not previously published, with a wealth of fascinating illustrations and photographs. 72 A4 pages	£5.95
NEW - THE BOOK OF BITTERNE – From Roman Town to City Suburb - BLHS From its first inhabitants conquered by the Romans in 43AD, the medieval Bitterne Manor, the mansions arising out of Southampton’s mid-18^th century Spa period, the arrival of the railway in 1866 to the building of the Bypass in the mid 1980s, through its words and pictures the story of Bitterne comes alive in this wonderful new book. The weddings and celebrations, schools and businesses, clubs and societies, worthies and characters, churches and chapels and pubs and pastimes – reveal Bitterne as a vibrant community. People feature strongly in the book, including such personalities as Roy Chadwick (designer of the Lancaster and Vulcan), Joe Harriott (jazz saxophonist), Chris Packham (TV presenter), Lord Maybray King (MP and Speaker of the House of Commons), the Diaper family, Major General Shrapnel (who invented the exploding shell) and Henri Argouarch (an Onion Johnny). The mix of biographies, memories, anecdotes and history about the area around Bitterne has wide appeal, the only disappointment being that we had to leave out so much material - enough in fact to fill another volume! 160 A4 pages	£19.99

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OTHER LOCAL BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM THE SOCIETY

HAREFIELD - A HIDDEN HERITAGE by Woodlands Community School This book is the outcome of a project undertaken by the pupils of Woodland Community School and tells a very clear story indeed of the history and development of the Harefield Estate. The enthusiasm of the students comes through very well and the result is an excellent and well-illustrated account of the area. A must for any past resident. 38 A4 pages	Out of Print
ITCHEN FERRY VILLAGEe by R.G. King A well-illustrated and clear account of the history of Itchen Ferry Village, virtually destroyed during World War II. It shows the area's development from a 15th century residence of the Itchen ferrymen and fishermen, to its pre-war yachting heyday. 42 A5 pages	£1.00
THE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF SOUTHAMPTON'S SUBURBS by Jim Brown This is a new single-volume survey of the history of the development of the residential areas of the City. Local historian Jim Brown chronicles the growth of the suburbs from the earliest times to the present day and he illuminates the lives of people who lived in them. His fascinating book will appeal to anyone with an interest in the story of Southampton. The narrative is illustrated with 260 photographs, drawings and maps. Jim Brown shows how the countryside, farms and villages developed into the urban streets, residential areas, shopping districts and industrial estates that are so familiar today. The districts featured include Bassett, Bevois Town, Bitterne, Bitterne Manor, Bitterne Park, the Docks, Harefield, Highfield, Maybush, Merry Oak, Millbrook, Northam, Peartree, Polygon, Portswood, Redbridge, Shirley, Shirley Warren, Sholing, St Denys, Swaythling, Thornhill, Weston and Woolston. Of interest to genealogists is the comprehensive index of street name changes, with dates, as new areas were absorbed into Southampton. Published by Breedon Books at £14.99 the book is offered at a discounted price of £13.99 157 A4 pages	£13.99
SOUTHAMPTON'S CHANGING FACES by Jim Brown This book, a sequel to his account of the city's suburbs (above), shows how building developments, some dramatic, have transformed areas of the city over the years. Jim Brown had access to local collections containing a number of unpublished views and his modern photos, taken from as nearly as possible the same position, sometimes reveal startling changes. Southampton suffered widespread damage during the Second World War; further changes came in the 1950s when a new ring road was constructed around the city centre; more occurred in the 1970s when the massive Itchen Bridge was built and the Bitterne area was transformed in the 1980s when a new bypass tore through the former Bitterne Village. Fortunately some individuals had the foresight to take photos before properties were demolished and these have provided invaluable material. The book contains over 300 illustrations and will appeal to all those who remember how Southampton has changed. Published by Breedon Books at £14.99 the book is offered at a discounted price of £13.99 160 A4 pages	£13.99
MORE SOUTHAMPTON CHANGING FACES by Jim Brown This book, a sequel to his Southampton's Changing Faces (above), is a joint publication with Southampton City Council and Jin Brown has thus been able to draw heavily on the massive photographic collection held by the City Heritage Services, particularly the Archive Service. As a result the book contains many previously unpublished pictures, more than the previous book, with nearly 400 illustrations. Large areas of the lower town and upper Shirley were extensively developed in the post-war era, with large tower blocks or flats replacing the terraced houses, corner shops and public houses. Fortunately the City Council had the foresight to take widespread photos before the properties were demolished and these have provided Jim Brown with valuable material. Family historians will be delighted to see streets that have since been completely obliterated, with views of houses, shops or public houses that they knew in their youth or were used by their parents or grandparents. Published by Breedon Books at £14.99 the book is offered at a discounted price of £13.99 192 A4 pages	£13.99
THE STORY OF THE SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING CORPS – 1897 – 2008 by Jim Brown This book takes a close look at the Salvation Army in Sholing, where it was officially formed in 1897. Extracts have been taken from the Corps records and research undertaken in the City archives, as well as obtaining the recollections of existing long serving members, with their old photos. It contains over 100 photographs, dating back to 1904, and includes photos of the demolition of the 1928 Citadel in North East Road and the construction of its 2003 replacement, as well as modern photos of the many various groups that use the premises. The book is a MUST for anybody having a family connection with the Salvation Army in Sholing. Available for only £4.00 46 A4 pages

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LOCAL PAPERS

No.1	POUND STREET BETWEEN THE WARS - BLHS Personal reminiscences of this well known Bitterne street and their life as children, by some former residents. 16 A5 pages	£2.00
No.2	BITTERNE FOOTBALL - A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST by Ken Prior The history of football in Bitterne, from 1880 to the present day. A useful source of names for genealogists. 40 A5 pages	Out of Print
No.3	BITTERNE SAFARI by Stanley Wincott An interesting booklet detailing the wildlife found around Bitterne - insects, spiders, mammals, bats and birds. 52 A5 pages.	50p
No.4	BITTERNE CRICKET - A DOUBLE CENTURY NOT OUT by Ken Prior A nostalgic look at the players and teams that helped to shape cricket in Bitterne over the past 200 years. 40 A5 pages	50p
No.5	A BEND IN THE RIVER by John Holt & Ann Cole A must for anyone interested in the history of Bitterne. This book covers the past 2,000 years, from the Roman Clausentum to the present day. 52 A5 pages	£1.00
No.6	BITTERNE GAMES - A TRULY SPORTING LIFE by Ken Prior This booklet outlines the history of Bitterne's sporting activities, including club activities such as whist and snooker; tennis, bowls, boxing, running, shooting, cycling and golf. 36 A4 pages	50p
No.7	THE BITTERNE COOKBOOK - BLHS A collection of recipes compiled by Society members, used and enjoyed by members and their families for many years. Some go back to the war years when food was in short supply and rationed. The book also contains adverts from cookery books between c. 1894 and 1920. 50 A5 pages.	£1.00
No.8	BITTERNE CARNIVAL, COMMUNITY & FETES by Ken Prior Village life has traditionally been characterised by the community linking together to form clubs and societies, holding events such as fêtes, carnivals etc and Bitterne Village was typical of this. Thos modest book contains details and photos of such events from the end of the 19th century, with historical notes. 26 A5 pages	50
No.9	SOUTHAMPTON & DISTRICT AIR RAIDS by Harold Blackmore A diary of the air-raids and alerts that took place in Southampton and surrounding districts for the period 26.02.1940 to 10.11.1944. The author has also provided details of the bombs used by the German Air Force, the aircraft bombloads and information about the local Fire & Rescue Services, Police and Light & Heavy Rescue Services. 58 A4 pages	Out of Print
No.10	THE SAD TALE OF RICHARD PARKER by Jim Brown An account of the tragic death of 17 year old Richard Parker of Itchen Ferry Village, who died at sea on July 25th 1884 after being shipwrecked in the tropics on the yacht 'Mignonette'. After a 19 days ordeal in an open boat he was killed and eaten by his shipmates, who were later convicted of his murder at a sensational trial. 18 A5 pages	£2.00
No.11	A DIARY OF BITTERNE Part I (43AD to 1899) by Eric Thompson A chronicle of events that happened in and affected the residents of Bitterne and surrounding area for the period 43AD to 1899. 44 A5 pages	£2.00
No.12	Regret - Out of Print
No.13	A WALK AROUND BITTERNE by Keith Marsh The map and guide to a 2 mile walk around Bitterne Village, starting and finishing at the Red Lion in Bitterne Precinct. It recounts important events, describes past and present buildings and draws attention to relics of a bygone age. 32 A5 pages	£3.00
No.14	A VISTA - BITTERNE PARISH CHURCH 1853-1953 (facsimile reprint) A reproduction of the centenary booklet published by Bitterne Parish Church as part of its celebrations for the period 1853-1953. It contains many interesting facts about the church and the area it served. 34 A5 pages	£2.00
No.15	BITTERNE METHODISM (facsimile reprint) A facsimile reprint of the booklets produced by Bitterne Methodist Church as part of their 150th and 175th anniversary celebrations. It contains many interesting facts about the church and the surrounding area. 36 A5 pages	£2.00
No.16	A DIARY OF BITTERNE Part II (1900-1939) by Eric Thompson A chronicle of events that happened in and affected the residents of Bitterne and surrounding area for the period 1900 to 1939. 44 A5 pages	£2.00
No.17	SOUTHAMPTON SHOW Show 1957 (Souvenir Programme Reprint) A facsimile reproduction of the official programme available at the 17th Southampton Show held on Southampton Common in July 1957. It well illustrates the range of activities held at this period. 24 A5 pages	50p
No.18	BRIDGING THE ITCHEN by Jim Brown This interesting booklet describes the various ways in which Southampton’s River Itchen has been crossed over the centuries, ranging from a suspected 2^nd century Roman ferry at Clausentum (Bitterne Manor) to the new and massive Itchen Bridge opened in 1977. Well illustrated. 32 A5 pages.	£3.50
No.19	BITTERNE NOMADS FOOTBALL CLUB by Ken Prior A detailed chronological record of results, goalscorers and match reports for the period 1939-1947. It includes F.A. Cup matches against Newport and Basingstoke, along with reports of wartime matches, including a Southampton Senior Cup Final played at the Dell. A small book but packed with factual detail.	Out of Print
No.20	BITTERNE ON THE MAP by Keith Marsh A cartographic 'voyage of discovery', charting the transition of Bitterne from Common Land to Village, and thence to a major district of Southampton. This collection of maps includes not only Ordnance Survey County Series but a few 'specials' of plans that did not come to fruition. Accompanying each map are notes drawing attention to interesting features. 68 A4 pages	£2.00
No.21	THE STREETS AROUND BITTERNE - Part I - (A-K) by Keith Marsh More than just a list of all the roads and streets in and around Bitterne, including Bitterne Manor, Bitterne Park, Harefield, Merry Oak, Midanbury, Peartree, Townhill Park and West End Park. There are notes on the history and the origin of its name for many of the roads, including many roads that have long since disappeared or suffered a name change. 44 A5 pages	£2.50
No.22	THE STREETS AROUND BITTERNE - Part II - (L-Z) by Keith Marsh Part 2 of the above, also 44 A5 pages	£2.50
No.23	BITTERNE - A SERIES OF PERSONAL REMINISCENCES by the Southampton Local Studies Group (Reprint) A historical introduction outlines the history of Bitterne, with notes on some notable buildings and their occupants. There then follows a series of personal reminiscences of old villagers, giving an insight into the lives of Bitterne families and some of its characters. 42 A4 pages	£2.50
No.24	'HOW MUCH WAS THAT THEN?' by Keith Marsh This book was inspired by the numerous enquiries dealt with at the Bitterne Local History Society Heritage & Research Centre concerning the prices of various items through the ages. The prices researched range from the 17th century through to 1998, and together with various old advertisements give a fascinating range of comparisons. 32 A5 pages	£2.50
No.25	BEECHAM'S HELP TO SCHOLARS (facsimile reprint) A fascinating look at weights, measures and mathematical tables, now almost forgotten. Combined with these tables are pages of facts that every schoolchild had to learn - and prompty forgot! Interesting for family and local historians. 52 A5 pages	£2.00
No.26	BITTERNE WILLS - 1575-1856, transcribed by Sue Collins A transcript of 33 wills made in Bitterne, from the Hampshire Record Office Wills Index, between the 16th and 19th centuries. They provide a fascinating insight into the possessions and their disposal for these periods. 28 A4 pages	£3.00
No.27	A DIARY OF BITTERNE Part III (1940 to 1959) by Eric Thompson A chronicle of events that happened in and affected the residents of Bitterne and surrounding area for the period 1940 to 1959. 36 A5 pages	£2.00
No.28	TOWNHILL PARK HOUSE by Ralph Coney & Jim Brown An account of the origins and history of Townhill Park House over the past 200 years. Detailed information is given of its occupancy by Lord & Lady Swaythling, with illustrations of the house and grounds during the height of its splendour. 24 A5 pages	£3.00
No.29	THE NATIONAL ROLL OF THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 – BITTERNE RESIDENTS – Keith Marsh A list of Bitterne residents who served in the Great War, giving their rank, branch of the armed services, résumé of their war service and their home address. A 'must' for geneaologists. 32 A4 pages	£4.00
No.30	WARDEN & FIRE GUARD SERVICES REVIEW by Chief Inspector T. Swanton, MBE A facsimile, with permission of Southampton City Council, of a booklet published in 1945. It explains the organisation of the Southampton Air Raid Precautions (ARP) and Fire Service, with detailed information about the town's ARP Divisions, the Warden's establishment, exercises carried out in 1937/8, a précis of the main air-raids, detailed descriptions of the various bombs & explosives used, and statistics of air-raid casualties and building damage. It also names the many Principal Officers of the organisations, together with details of the awards and commendations they received. This booklet is a must for those who lived through this period of Southampton's history and those whose parents/grandparents served in either of these local services. 50 A5 pages	£2.50
No.32	BITTERNE BREWERY - Facsimile reprint of the brochure celebrating the re-opening in 1952, containing interesting adverts. 20 A5 pages	£2.50
No.33	STREETS AWAY FROM BITTERNE by Keith Marsh A good follow on from Keith Marsh’s earlier Streets Around Bitterne, (21 & 22 above), giving similar fascinating information on the various streets outside the prime Bitterne area of Southampton. AVAILABLE SOON	£3.50
No.34	THE DIAPER FAMILY OF ITCHEN & WOOLSTON by Ann Galbraith A personal family history that gives good background information on the well-known Diaper family of this area. 16 A5 pages	£2.00
No.35	RISDON BEAZLEY Ltd, CLAUSENTUM YARD, BITTERNE MANOR by Roy Martin & Lyle Craigie-Halkett A detailed history of the salvage company founded by Risdon Archibald BEAZLEY, CBE, in 1926 until it ceased operations in 1981. The company’s recovery vessels travelled the world and had an international reputation. By 1944 they were operating more than 60 salvage ships from their Bitterne Manor base, where they also built 22 Fairmile MTB's. Of the 21 Admiralty salvage ships that crossed the channel on D-Day, 11 were managed by Risdon Beazley. One of their most noteworthy achievements was the recovery of the SS Great Britain in 1969 in the Falklands. This was the first ship of more than 1,000 tons to be salvaged on a submersible pontoon and its return to Bristol is the world record for the longest tow with that type of load by a stern trawler. This important part of our marine history is covered in depth and makes essential reading for any marine enthusiast. 44 A4 pages	£4.99
No.36	BUILDING THE ITCHEN BRIDGE by Paul Ravenscroft and Jim Brown A pictorial account of the building of the massive Itchen Bridge, based on 1,500 slides taken by the late Paul Ravenscroft during every stage of its construction. Paul e took views of the advance work carried out on both sides of the River Itchen in the 1970s, when the area resembled a war zone, and this shows now vanished Supermarine Works and Floating Bridges. The slides show how the 62,000 ton bridge was constructed in sections and assembled, involving many thousand man-hours, and when it was opened in May 1977 and officially named by Princess Alexandra that July. 56 A4 pages	£4.99
No.37	THE SECOND WORLD WAR ROLL OF HONOUR FOR SOUTHAMPTON compiled by Keith Marsh The duty of recording the names of the civilian war dead of the British Commonwealth and Empire was entrusted by Royal Charter in February 1941 to the Imperial War Graves Commission. Although the graves are scattered around the country this booklet contains the Roll of Honour of those Southampton civilians who were killed by enemy action during the 1939-45 war while engaged in household or business activities, or at their posts as members of the Civil Defence Services. 46 A4 pages	£4.50

Unfortunately it is no longer possible to purchase the above publications by credit card via a safe and secure site as this is no longer economically viable. If you live locally all books are available for direct purchase from the Society's Charity Shop at 231 Peartree Avenue. (From Bitterne Precinct, facing Lances Hill, turn left into Peartree Avenue and the shop is about 100 yards on the right). If you live outside Southampton an email request to Martyn Basford at martyn.blhs@btinternet.com will hopefully enable you to make a purchase, to include the cost of posting and packaging, but the goods must be paid for in sterling. Overseas visitors must also do this as the cost of exchange is also prohibitive.