Lyndhurst in old pictures - Bolton's Bench and the foxhounds

Bolton' Bench, a well-known landmark on the outskirts of Lyndhurst, was for may years the meeting place of the New Forest Foxhounds and from at least the early years of the 20th century, the ensuing colourful and frequently chaotic scenes appeared on many contemporary postcards. Here is a selection, most dating from the first few decades of that century - the clothing worn by onlookers and hunt followers provides clues to the dates.

And finally, this largely unremarkable view near Bolton's Bench
shows ponies close to the cricket pavilion. It is perhaps made
more interesting, though, by the inclusion of the huge sandpit
that today forms part of the Parc Pale car park