These twenty-year-old pictures provide us with aerial views of Lymington from the time,

Evidence suggests settlements existed in the Lymington area as early as the 6th century BC, with an Iron Age hill fort known as Buckland Rings standing as a testament to this era.

The town itself began as an Anglo-Saxon village called Limentun, meaning "elm tree farm or hamlet," around the 6th century AD.

Around 1200, William de Redvers, the lord of the manor, established the borough of New Lymington, granting the town its first charter and the right to hold a market. This period saw Lymington develop into a centre of trade and commerce.

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, Lymington thrived on salt production, utilizing seawater from its harbour. The town also developed a flourishing shipbuilding industry, particularly focusing on yacht-making in the 19th century.

Bournemouth Echo: Aerial shot of Lymington from April 2004.

Lymington today retains its charm as a historic harbour town, but it has also evolved into a vibrant centre for leisure and tourism. 

Lymington remains a renowned yachting centre, boasting three marinas and two sailing clubs. The town attracts sailing enthusiasts from all over who enjoy races, regattas, and leisurely cruises around the Solent.

Bournemouth Echo: Aerial shot of Lymington from April 2004.

Lymington's historic core revolves around its Georgian high street, lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

 Lymington also serves as a gateway to the New Forest National Park.

Check out pictures of how the town looked 20 years ago in April 2004.