To mark the passing of Jude James, leading historian of Lymington and the region, we are reflecting on his contributions to both the Museum and the local community.
As a lover of history, Jude wrote many books about the New Forest past, having started his writing career creating promotional material for Wellworthy which he joined in 1947. After working as a bus driver, he pursued a career in teaching, later joining the Workers Education Authority to deliver lectures on the history of the area. He became a well-known local figure; a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Life President of the Lymington and District Historical Society, and president of the Hampshire Field Club as well as helping to create the Christopher Tower reference library at the New Forest Heritage Centre.
As chairman of the Friends of Lymington Museum, Jude was instrumental in the creation of St Barbe’s. Jude donated many folders full of his lifelong research to the King Research Room where, alongside his many books, they are still used extensively by visitors.
Jude James died at the age of 91 in Poole Hospital, in May 2023.
