Hurstbourne Priors

At the time of the Domesday Survey the manor was described as belonging to the church of Winchester. In 1205 Pope Innocent III confirmed the prior and monks in possession of the manor and they continued in possession until the dissolution in 1535, when it became the king's.

In 1547 the Hurstbourne Estate was granted to Edward, Duke of Somerset who held it until his death on Tower Hill in 1552. The following year it was granted to Sir John Gate who, later the same year, was executed for attempting to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne.

In 1558 Sir Robert Oxenbridge purchased the manor from the Crown and it remained in this family until 1636, when it was sold to Sir Henry Wallop of Farleigh Wallop and then remained in the Wallop family.

Hurstbourne Park was thought by Charles Kingsley to be the most beautiful park in southern England. The house, which was once the seat of the Earls of Portsmouth, was partially demolished by 60% in 1965.

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