In 1868 Botley was described as a parish and small market town, in the hundred of Upper Mainsbridge, Southampton division of the county of Southampton, 4 miles to the S.W. of Bishop's Waltham, 10 from. Gosport, and 6 from Southampton, its post town. It is situated on the small river Hamble, and is about half a mile from the station on the Southampton railway. The Hamble falls into Southampton Water, and is navigable to this village for boats. There are several corn-mills on the river, and a good trade is carried on in flour and timber.