A PROFESSIONAL tour guide has written her first book to share the lesser-known stories and spots to visit in Hampshire.
Erica Wheeler, from Kings Worthy, has taken inspiration from living in Hampshire for the past 18 years to create a book of facts and stories on the county.
The Winchester tour guide hopes The Little Book of Hampshire will give people who know the county some “I didn’t know that” stories and facts while also being a trustworthy companion for anyone visiting, providing some off-the-beaten-track places to explore.
Erica has previously written guided tours including horrible histories, the hidden histories of women in Winchester and the medieval Jewish community as well as articles on local history and museum studies.
The 43-year-old said: "Hampshire is such a large, varied and rich county. I thought I knew it reasonably well, but in researching all the stories, characters and places for the book, I couldn’t believe how layered the history is.
"The hardest part was picking the best bits to put in the book from such a phenomenal list of stories and places, but I hope I’ve managed it.
SEE ALSO: Southern Water withdraw controversial drought plan for River Test
“It’s not a straightforward history book or guidebook, although it incorporates a bit of both. I wanted to give a picture of the county through its hidden, unusual and quirky side, to lengthen the list of to visit places in Hampshire, highlight some things to spot when travelling around the county and give people a few stories to tell their companions when they’re there.
“I hope people will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. It could be a great present for anyone who knows or would like to know Hampshire.”
The Little Book of Hampshire, published by the History Press, will be available on Thursday, November 24 from P and G Wells, Waterstones stores, Winchester information centre and online at lnk.to/LBOHampshire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here