THOSE who want to learn about the county's geology and archaeology without the hassle will be able to with author John Firth’s new book. 

Geology and Archaeology of Hampshire: For People Who Aren’t Geologists or Archaeologists, focuses on Hampshire and is for those who want to dive into the country’s geology.

John said: “I’ve tried to write for people like me: who’d like to know things but don’t know the technical terms or what they mean. 

“Many books and articles have been written about Hampshire’s ancient history, but hardly any have been written about its geology.

“Most of these books and articles were written by experts for experts, I wanted to know more about Hampshire, but was frustrated at how hard it is to learn." 

The 174-page-long paperback book covers mainland Hampshire which includes 15 colour maps, 20 colour diagrams and 51 colour photographs. With the maps being “mostly thematic, they show things like Hampshire Bedrock or Norman Hampshire,” said John. 

“I wrote the book that I wished someone else had written years ago, as I thought I’m probably not the only person that would like to know these things," he added. 

John faced some difficulties with both the geology and archaeological part. He said: “I had to collect, organise and try to understand a lot of primary information, but there is not much commentary or analysis to help me. 

“A lot of good material has been published on the Isle of Wight, but I could see no point in duplicating this while so little exists on mainland Hampshire. 

“I collected and studied data from 362 boreholes (a narrow hole drilled into the ground for different reasons) scattered across Hampshire.

“I hope it will be useful and interesting to people who wish to learn more about the county.”

This book is similar to his previous book Geology and Archaeology of Berkshire, which was released in 2022. 

“The book is as good as I can make it”, he said. 

He thanked his friend Andy Stove, who read and checked it before publication. 

The book, published by Baffin Books, a Hampshire press, is available from Waterstones and all other UK bookshops, costing £12. 

  • This article was written by Alexandra Stapleton, from the University of Winchester.