Keyhaven leaflet

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Keyhaven is one of the New Forest’s conservation areas, covering most of the hamlet and its coastal frontage. The village is characterised by buildings clustered around a small green and along approach roads, with notable vernacular architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries, including some listed buildings, and later waterside houses on Saltgrass Lane. Its rural character is enhanced by maritime views towards Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. Historically, Keyhaven was an important port, especially for the salt trade, benefiting from a sheltered position between the Solent and the open sea and natural conditions for salt making; it was a port by 1206 and linked to salt pans and rents paid in salt and other goods. Salt production declined in the early 19th century due to competition and rising costs. Today it is a quiet place associated with yachting, fishing, and birdwatching.

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This leaflet explains what a conservation area is and how it may affect you. It shows the boundary of one of the 33 conservation areas and points out some of the features which make it special.

Keyhaven

The conservation area covers most of this small hamlet and its coastal frontage. The buildings cluster around the small green and along the roads that lead into it. There are a number of fine vernacular buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, some of which are listed, as well as several interesting houses of more recent date especially facing the waterside along Saltgrass Lane. The quiet rural charm of the village is heightened by the maritime views across to Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. Once an important port particularly for the salt trade Keyhaven is now a quiet haven for yachting, fishing and birdwatching.

In the 12th century some of the land at Keyhaven was owned by the Priory of Bath. Someone called Nigel held one virgate (30 acres) of land, six salt pans, a well and half a furlong of land for a rent of two horse loads of salt, three shillings and a pound of cumin a year. Its sheltered position between the Solent and the open sea and the natural facilities for making salt meant that it was much more important than might be expected today. It was a port by 1206. A finger of the creek may have extended towards the junction by the green over the area now occupied by the end of the car park and the field known as “Baskets” opposite Fishers Mead. Until the early years of the 19th century Keyhaven was part of the prime salt producing centre based around Lymington but there was a rapid decline following competition from Cheshire rock salt combined with rapidly rising coal prices and high duties. Wildfowling was a profitable pursuit for men of all levels of society. 16th century records note complaints about men setting nets to trap birds. Farmers objected to the activity as it interfered with regular work on the land.

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Keyhaven leaflet

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Keyhaven

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