Holbury

The name Holbury apparently means "hollow fortification", although it is not clear what feature in the landscape this name refers to. The first trace of Holbury Manor is in 1312, when Roger Bernerall and Gilbert de Shupton obtained licence of the king to "grant land in Holebury to the abbey of King's Beaulieu." Holbury remained in the hands of the abbots of Beaulieu until the dissolution of that monastery in 1538. Next to it is a moated site, perhaps the site of the monastic manor and associated buildings. The earthwork contains sites of three buildings within the moated area and others outside.

Historically a small and scarcely populated village, Holbury and the adjoining hamlet of Hardley now has a sizeable population of approximately 6000, and a considerable number of shops and businesses. This growth has been principally due to the influence of the Esso oil refinery at Fawley and the area's proximity to the city of Southampton. Cadland Primary School (formerly Holbury Infant School and Holbury Junior School) for children aged 4 to 11, and New Forest Academy for students aged 11 to 16. The school also has an incorporated sixth form college for students aged 16 to 18. Many pupils of New Forest Academy also go on to Brockenhurst College, Totton College or Southampton City College.