A Proud Maritime Heritage: Home of the Master Shipbuilder

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Henry’s Pub isn’t just a place to enjoy great food, drink and river views — it’s steeped in the extraordinary maritime history of Buckler’s Hard.

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The pub is named after Henry Adams, a master shipbuilder whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of this village. Adams first arrived at Buckler’s Hard in 1744, and within a few short years became the resident shipbuilding contractor, leasing the shipyard from the Beaulieu Estate. His skills and ambition helped turn this quiet riverside community into one of Britain’s most important naval shipyards.

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Henry Adams lived in the very building that now houses our pub. From here, he oversaw the construction of over 40 Royal Navy ships, including several vessels that played a crucial role in the Battle of Trafalgar under Admiral Lord Nelson in 1805 — most famously, HMS Agamemnon and HMS Swiftsure.

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The Beaulieu River’s sheltered, deep-water channel and the surrounding New Forest oak made it the perfect location for building these mighty warships. What began as a humble village evolved into a vital cog in Britain’s maritime might — and Henry Adams was at its helm.

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Today, we honour this legacy not only in name, but in spirit. From the handcrafted shipbuilding artwork on our walls to our close ties with the Beaulieu Estate, Henry’s Pub celebrates the craftsmanship, history and community that defined this place.

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So whether you're raising a glass by the fire or looking out over the river from our Crew Bar, you’re experiencing a piece of living maritime history — in the very heart of where it happened.