The start of our holiday in Dorset included a journey through the New Forest on the way to our destination and base for the week. A stop in the forest for lunch, and we came across this unusual object - The Portuguese Fireplace
The Portuguese Fireplace can be found by the roadside close to Millyford Bridge - 2 kilometres (1¼ miles) from Emery Down, near Lyndhurst, beside the minor road leading towards the Bolderwood Deer Sanctuary.
A plaque explains the presence of the Portuguese Fireplace:
’This is the site of a hutted camp occupied by a Portuguese army unit during the First World War. This unit assisted the depleted local labour force in producing timber for the war effort. The Forestry Commission have retained this fireplace from the cookhouse as a memorial to the men who lived and worked here and acknowledge the financial assistance of the Portuguese Government in its renovation.’
Nearby, a New Forest Pony. Great to this iconic creature on passing through so briefly.
Our base for the week - Winterborne Stickland, Dorset
This was our accommodation for the week, which we found quiet, and rather pleasant.
