The History of Milford-on-Sea
Milford began as a Saxon settlement and 500 years later (Domesday
Book 1086) comprised a small manor with a church, a mill and about 50
inhabitants. It belonged to Christchurch Priory from circa 1107 to 1539
and then passed variously into the hands of courtiers and city merchants,
mainly as a distant investment.
Milford's resources were its agriculture and the seasonal production of
sea-salt, later supplemented, in fair degree, by smuggling. Development
progressed slowly in accordance with the times until, in the latter part
of the eighteenth century, wealthy newcomers moved in to buy up farms
and build fine houses. Their advent materially changed the character,
outlook and social structure of the village. Their Georgian houses serve
today as a reminder of that turning point.
The salterns were less fortunate. After much expansion in mid-century,
they declined rapidly in the 1780s and only a small remnant survived to
fade slowly away after 1800. Their reclaimed land is today an area of
great natural beauty.
Little further development took place until the 1880s, when the local
landowner planned to convert Milford into a premier seaside resort, adding
"on-sea" to the village name. The scheme failed in its major
objectives, but it gave Milford a layout and ordered development that
lasted well into the present century.
Despite much new building in recent years, Milford still retains its character
and unity as a village.
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