Hampshire Churches

Location

OS Ref: SU 382 326

Last Visited: 2016

All Saints' Church

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Set in the corner of what was once presumably the village green on the drive up to the big house, there is something quintessentially English about All Saints', Little Somborne.

The addition of the grave of a pioneering British aviator, Sir Thomas Sopwith, who died in 1989 at the age of 101, just adds to its charm.

The west end of the church dates back to Saxon times. The Normans extended the church eastwards in 1170, and added a small chancel. This was removed during the 17th century, leaving only the outline of the arch.

Location

OS Ref: SU 364 277

Last Visited: 2016

St John the Baptist's Church

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As churches go they don't come a lot more remote or unused than St John's, Upper Eldon. Surrounded by the lawns of a private house (with plenty of signs to remind you of this fact), this tiny church was built in the later part of the 12th century.

By 1729 the east end was in such a bad condition that it was pulled down and new brick east wall was built. The church continued to deteriorate and by 1864 was used as a cow shed.

A Consecration Cross

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It was not until 1973, when it was vested in the Redundant Churches Fund (the forerunners of the Churches Conservation Trust), that things began to look up. It was repaired in 1975 with further work being carried out in 1984.

Around the church are the traces of nine consecration crosses from its original construction. Each of these consists of a circle with five holes which once held long vanished metal crosses. In the niches you can also see parts of the windows that used to be in the eastern end of the church before it was pulled down.

Please respect the privacy of the owners of Eldon House and keep to the direct route between the church and the gate on to the road. There is apparently an annual church service held here each summer.

Location

OS Ref: SU 628 084

Last Visited: 2016

Southwick Priory

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The good news is that Southwick Priory is not quite as dull as Jordan Hill Temple outside Weymouth. The bad news is, it's a lot more difficult to find.

English Heritage's web site, confidently claims the "The priory is signposted throughout Southwick village". It isn't.

On my second attempt I eventually found a sign hidden in deep shade behind an unassuming iron gate opposite the turning to the D-Day Memorial Hall.

Southwick Priory

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From there, there is a pleasant walk through woodland to the one remaining wall of the priory.

The priory was originally founded within the walls of Portchester Castle by Henry I around 1130, but within 20 years it had moved to this site.

After its suppression in 1538, it was converted into a mansion. This was burnt down in 1750. There are still some fine ornamental trees to be seen hereabouts, which presumably date from this period.