Andover History and Archaeology Society

Outside the hall, itself a former Methodist Chapel, Ann gave a brief introduction to the village’s history, from late Bronze and Iron Age settlement, to the Romano-British presence evidenced by the important Thruxton mosaic (British Museum, Room 49), through to its mention in the Domesday survey. Later variously called Turkilleston, Throkeleston, Thruckleston, the village grew from around 200 inhabitants in 1841 to 620 now, with considerable development between 1961 and 1980.

The walk then took the group up past a number of historically interesting houses to the Manor House to meet Chris Rome, its present owner, who led a thoughtful tour round his estate. While the manor house dates from the 17th century, it incorporates medieval timberwork also evident in the delightful garden shed. Where was the medieval manor house, which was said to have been burnt down in the 18th century? The early 20th century Hampshire archaeologist, Williams-Freeman, located what he described as a ‘Defended Manor House’, moated and with ramparts, north-west of the present house and church, in a field with many ‘humps and bumps’. Stone fragments suggest it was a substantial building. Certainly, during the lordship of the wealthy de Lisle family (c.1400-1542), the house was impressive enough to receive King Henry VIII and Jane Seymour. Other visitors were Thomas Cromwell and Elizabeth I. Later, under the Philpott family (1542-c.1650) and successive owners, the manor declined. In 1941, the Air Ministry acquired the farm of 600 acres and the farm land was turned into an airfield; the house becoming the officers’ mess. The racing circuit now forms the airfield. The house with about 12 acres was returned to private ownership in 1979.

The manor estate surrounded the church, around which Ann then guided the party. It dates from at least the 13th century, though was expensively reordered in 1843-9. The most recent alteration was the removal of the font from the inconvenient bell-tower (rebuilt 1800) to the west corner of the north aisle with the vivid restoration of its cover. The main historical interest of the church, however, lies in the chancel with three impressive memorials to the de Lisle family: the chantry chapel and tomb (1524), with arches by Thomas Bertie, master mason of Winchester Cathedral, a floor brass (1407) and wall tomb (1506-10). Recently Dr Nicholas Riall, archaeologist and art historian, has established that the wall tomb was also carved by the Winchester Cathedral workshop, but subjected to vigorous ‘Victorian meddling’. There is also a defaced oak carved effigy of Lady Philpott (died 1616) behind the chancel stalls and possibly the oldest military effigy in England, a coffin slab of 1200, inside the tower.

Appreciative thanks for a fascinating evening were paid to our guides, who warmly encouraged members to visit again and take a longer look at this enchanting and richly historic village.