PICTURES, maps, words and farm tools showing the history of agriculture in the Hundred of East Meon, which included Froxfield, Steep, and part of Sussex, feature in the new temporary exhibition at Petersfield Museum.

Farming the Valley describes how this was the largest of the Hampshire estates of the Diocese of Winchester and farming was its only industry for thousands of years.

East Meon History Group has been researching its history and this exhibition displays its findings, which include: The fishponds and deer park kept for the exclusive pleasure of the bishops and their friends; The Black Death, and its effect on wages and social structure; Life in the house of a rich Elizabethan yeoman; The Enclosures, the Civil War and their effects on land ownership; How migrants from Cumbria saved Hampshire farming.

Thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and new ‘georeferencing’ software, maps have been created which illustrate the changing landscape. Traditional farm tools from the collection of Richard Jones will also be on display.

Chairman of East Meon History Group Michael Blakstad said the group was pleased to share its work with a wider audience.

The exhibition is on from June 26 to July 7 at the museum, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.