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Emsworth History walks for 2025
Discover the fascinating story of Emsworth's Industrial Revolution. The huge oyster boom and devastating bust, the incredible growth of milling and brewing, the building of some of Britain's finest fishing ships, smuggling, press gangs and tragic loss at sea.
Alternatively Emsworth's evolution' walk looks at life in Emsworth from the mid 1700s to the end of the 1800s. We explore the tough realities of the poorhouse, the first school, the traumas that secured a proper fire service, religion and its politics, brewing and the fascinating stories of some of Emsworth's heriones and heros.
If you are yet to do an Emsworth history walk, I would suggest 'The Industrial Revolution' walk first as this gives you a good insight into the growth of the town. 'The evolution of Emsworth' walk then explores the social, economic and political development for the town.
Guided history walks of Emsworth
Emsworth has a dynamic and truly fascinating history.
A village that grew incredibly fast from the mid 1700s. Emsworth's streams and millponds provided power for mills that helped meet the rising demand for flour in a rapidly growing country. As the main port in Chichester Harbour and with the growth of the oyster trade and associated shipbuilding, Emsworth's growth was fast and diverse. Entrepreneurs, brewers, master mariners, smugglers and highwaymen are all part of the fascinating history of Emsworth.
Emsworth walks take 80 to 90 minutes.
Emsworth history walks
Emsworth's industrial revolution
We will take an easy walk, focussing on the maritime and industrial growth of the town that includes the grain boom, oyster trade, shipbuilding and maritime growth as well as some of the incredible characters and a glimpse into the darker sides to Emsworth's history.​​
Emsworth's evolution
Roughly an 80 minute walking tour that explores the growth of services and early businesses, poverty, social politics and protest, and looks at more of the remarkable characters that shaped our town. It's incredible how dynamically Emsworth has changed
in 150 years!
An inspiring history
The growth of Emsworth during the 18th and 19th centuries was almost unprecedented as the population increased over five-fold. With five working mills towards the end of the 18th century, wealth and enterprise was drawn to the town. With proximity to Portsmouth Dockyard and the growth in demand for oysters, some incredible local entrepreneurs stepped forward to drive Emsworth's industrial revolution. But it wasn't all plane sailing. The poor lived a hard life, religion often played harsh politics, fire was a constant risk with very poor services and the turn of the 20th century saw disaster awaiting the town's biggest trade! Find out more on the Emsworth walks :)
Book your tour day & time
£8 per person
Industrial revolution & Evolution walks
Walks take approximately 90 minutes and cover about 1.5 miles
Please book in advance to ensure inclusion - maximum 16 people!
The meeting point will be advise once you have booked.
Payment is taken on arrival.
or
Times for the Industrial Revolution walk vary according to tide times
07787 573071
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