WALKERS beside a scenic stretch of the River Itchen now have a place to rest and learn more about Hampshire’s history.

The navigation stretch of the river once teemed with 70-foot barges taking goods between Winchester and Southampton.

Two centuries later and the barges have long since gone, but their memory has been rekindled with a new artwork.

It also doubles as a seat with views across the river to the water meadows around The Hospital of St Cross in Winchester.

Its designer, Abigail Downer, said: “It’s all about sharing the message about this extremely special place and how it’s being managed and cared for, and it’s a resource that belongs to everybody.”

The artwork, which cost around £10,000, has been funded by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

It looks after the prized stretch of river and is spending £2.4m on improvements, including a heritage trail.

The new seat is the same shape as the 70-foot barges that used to sail up the Itchen Navigation.

It features the names of Domum and Northam Quays, where the vessels started and ended their journeys.

The seat also includes the names of several bargemen, which might be helpful to family historians.

The names are weaved into the shape of goods and items carried on the vessels, including ropes and barrels.

It also features a copy of the letter from the Mayor of Winchester in 1793 asking for the bargemen to be excused conscription to protect the city’s economy.

The seat, which was engraved by Alec Peever, produced by APS Masonry and installed by Ian Clark Restoration, was unveiled recently.

It can be found half a mile south of the Garnier Road car park beside St Catherine’s Hill near Winchester.