The History & Heritage

The real transformation began in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railway in 1888. This pivotal moment spurred the rapid expansion of the town, and the name “New Milton” came into common use. By the early 20th century, it was firmly established as a growing hub, with a Post Office bearing its name and a blossoming community supported by new housing and infrastructure.

Alongside the town’s development, the neighbouring Stanleys Estate holds its own rich history. Purchased in 1901 by Lady Harpur Crewe, the estate became home to the Jobling family and played a key role in local life, including the founding of St. Andrew’s Church in Tiptoe. In the decades that followed, the estate changed hands and purposes—from a wartime refuge to a nightclub and later a mobile home site—mirroring the town’s evolution. Despite being bombed during World War II and experiencing dereliction in the late 20th century, the estate and the town alike have continually adapted. Today, New Milton is a thriving suburban town that proudly honours its heritage while embracing modern life, with a growing population, community events, and ongoing development in the heart of the New Forest district.