Sherfield-on-Loddon

The manor of Sherfield on Loddon is not mentioned in the Domesday Survey because at that time (1086) it formed part of the manor of Odiham. In the late twelfth century it was granted by Henry II to his marshall, William Fitz Aldelin; from him the property passed to the Warbertons or Warblingtons and thence in 1274 to John de Wintershill. The Warblingtons once again held the manor in 1281 and it passed by marriage to the Puttenhams. One of the Puttenhams was the author of the first attempted philosophical criticism of English literature, "The Arte of English Poesie" published anonymously in 1589. In 1572 the manor was divided and sold in two lots, both of which changed hands frequently after this date. In 1838 the estate was purchased by the Duke of Wellington.

The Church of St. Leonard dates from the fourteenth century although the chancel was rebuilt in 1866 and the steeple in 1872. The only vestiges of the former church are some mediaeval windows containing fourteenth and sixteenth century stained glass. It is said that Oliver Cromwell gave to St. Leonard's Church the bells which survived uncracked from the siege of Basing House.

The parish contains several properties which bears traces of moats, due perhaps to the abundance of water provided by the tributaries of the River Loddon. The Loddon itself is immortalised in the poetry of Alexander pope.

Further information on attractions to discover in the area and other interesting villages to visit is available.  For information on public services for Sherfield on Loddon please take a look at the Hook local pages.