Hampshire is a unique county of sprawling green hills, tranquil villages and ancient forests combined with the modern and vibrant cities of Winchester, Portsmouth and Southampton. It is the home of the New Forest, created in 1079 by William I (The Conqueror) and used as a medieval royal hunting ground, and retains many of the rural practices of medieval times.
Hampshire can boast some rather well known sons and daughters such as: Charles Dickens (Portsmouth), Peter Sellers (Southsea), Benny Hill (Eastleigh), and Jane Austen who was born in Steventon and wrote some of her most famous novels in her final home in Alton - now a popular museum and tourist attraction.
