Lives of Notable Miltonians Remembered
New Milton Town Mayor, Councillor Alvin Reid, was delighted to unveil the recently installed Heritage Information Signs at St Mary Magdalene Church in New Milton on Saturday 10 January 2026.
Councillor Reid said “Thank you to the Working Party for completing this signage project, success being a result of the church, community and Milton Heritage Society working together. We can see from the six graves identified in the leaflet that these notable people should be remembered for their own stories and personalities.”
Local Historian and Chairman of Milton Heritage Society, Nick Saunders, led Heritage Walks around the church graveyard, pointing out the gravestones and memorials, sharing information about the lives of notable Miltonians buried there.
One of the graves included Anna Bateson (1863-1928) who ran a market garden in Bashley from 1892, as well as being a poor law guardian, school manager, a Milton Parish Councillor, President of the Milton District Nursing Association and Secretary of the New Forest Suffrage Society.
A grave offering a more poignant story is that of Archibald ‘Archie’ Bursey (1925-1940) a 15-year old telegram messenger working for the Post Office who was killed during World War Two on 23 August 1940 when a lone Heinkel bomber dropped 20 bombs in Station Road and Old Milton Road.
Find out more about the named graves here link to leaflet
Reverend of St Mary Magdalene Church, Jon Westall, said “The signs look great, very informative and a great addition to the church grounds. I’m sure residents and visitors will appreciate the additional information and enhanced natural environment.”
In addition to the heritage information, the churchyard benefits from an abundance of wildflowers and trees supporting a natural community of insects, birds, and squirrels. The natural environment together with the historical content make it an interesting area to walk.