The ancient church of St Andrew the Apostle is probably the oldest existing church in the Diocese of Winchester. It was originally the 'manorial church' of the even more ancient manor of Hurstbourne Priors.
The charter of Denewulf, Saxon Bishop of Winchester, dated AD 820, refers to its consecration in that year and the present church is believed to stand on the remains of the original Saxon building.
The present church was built by the Normans in the 12th century and a north chapel added in the 16th century. In the 18th century, a south transept was built for the use of the Portsmouth family (the Portsmouth Aisle), with the nave being rebuilt and the old wooden balcony replaced by a tower in AD1870. The chancel was also heavily restored but does retain some medieval details, including the chancel arch and the outline of the blocked priest’s door in the south wall.
The building consists of a West Tower, Nave, South Transept, North Chapel (now the vestry) and the Chancel. It has a light and airy appearance with perpendicular windows. Much of the later restoration was undertaken at the expense of the Portsmouth family who were lords of the manor until the estate was broken up in the 1950’s.
This is a short multi cache; you are looking for 30ml micro tube and will need to bring your own pen.
The above coordinates are for the church visitors parking area in front of the church or alternatively there is parking near the second stage.
Make your way to N51° 13.023 W001° 22.317 and find the date on the stone for the Chief Game Warden of Kenya, let this be ABCD - EFGH
Make your way to N51° 12.981 W001° 22.433 and find the date for the Countess of Portsmouth, let this be JKLM
The cache can be found at N51° A (E+J).F L (K-M) W001° 22.(G-H+A) B H
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
To view the church micro stats page, please click here