The Wakes, Selborne

The Wakes was the family home of the Reverend Gilbert White (1720-1793). He was a pioneering naturalist and had a lifelong habit of measuring and recording the world around his Hampshire home. In 1879 his book ‘ The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne’ was published and it is still in print today giving a wonderful insight into country life before the industrial revolution. The Wakes is now a museum celebrating the life of Gilbert White and the 30 acre garden has been recreated using White’s diaries and correspondence.