About our lovely village of Hannington in Hampshire
courtesy of Basingstoke.gov.uk
Hannington lies between Basingstoke and Newbury. It is situated on top of the Hampshire Downs, and is in the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In every direction, the landscape falls away sharply from the village, with the Test Valley to the south and the Thames Basin to the north. The village of Hannington is isolated within the landscape, the nearest settlement of any size is Kingsclere, three miles away. Wolverton, the nearest village, is separated from Hannington by about two miles of open countryside. The Conservation Area boundary includes all but the most southern area of the village of Hannington.
The population of the village in 1998 was approximately 220, of which approximately 160 lived within the boundaries of the Conservation Area (projection based on the Hampshire County Council Planning Department Small Area Population Forecasts 1995).
The population of the village in 1998 was approximately 220, of which approximately 160 lived within the boundaries of the Conservation Area (projection based on the Hampshire County Council Planning Department Small Area Population Forecasts 1995).
Historic Development
Settlement Origins
The word Hannington originates from ‘Haningtun’ meaning the ‘farm of Hana’. At the time of the Domesday Survey, the manor of Hannington was held by the Bishop of Winchester. In 1284, John of Pontioise, Bishop of Winchester, gave the manor to the Prior and Convent of St Swithun, and it became part of the manor of Manydown. Hannington remained in the ownership of the convent until it was granted to the Dean and Chapter of Winchester by Henry VIII.
In the mid 17th century, the manor was sold into lay hands. Two manors evolved out of Manydown - the manor of Hannington Lancelevy, and the manor of Hannington. The former fell within the parish of Kingsclere, and the latter became a parish in its own right. The divide fell along the southern boundary of the church. As a consequence, until the 1890s, parts of the village were within Kingsclere Parish.
In the mid 17th century, the manor was sold into lay hands. Two manors evolved out of Manydown - the manor of Hannington Lancelevy, and the manor of Hannington. The former fell within the parish of Kingsclere, and the latter became a parish in its own right. The divide fell along the southern boundary of the church. As a consequence, until the 1890s, parts of the village were within Kingsclere Parish.
Settlement Development
The village has developed as an irregular cluster of buildings around a central village green, with later linear growth following the road to the north and south.
The church on the western side of the present day green appears to have been sited on a larger green, that originally extended as far as the manor. There are farms on three sides of the church, Manor Farm is to the west, Dicker’s Farm to the north and Hannington Farm to the south. The part of the settlement east of the green, on both sides of the road, is an area of irregularly shaped plots with cottages. Along the eastern side of the north/south road is an area of the village with a continuous rear boundary. At the northern end of the settlement, the road divides in front of the Old Rectory. The exact pattern of historic development of Hannington is uncertain. However, it is likely that from Saxon times, All Saints’ Church formed a focus for settlement. This relationship has changed little to the present day, and is a key characteristic of the village.
The development of Hannington and the surrounding area is inherently associated with farming and, in particular, the rearing of sheep for wool.
By the mid 19th century, the 1840 Tithe map illustrates the development of the village in two parts. The main focus still centred on the Green and Ibworth Lane - a secondary, and looser cluster of buildings to the north around the road junction, and separated from the first by fields. This arrangement of buildings, and the lanes running through and into the village, form the present day settlement pattern, with only minor alterations and infill. In addition, most of the field boundaries in the Conservation Area, recorded on the Tithe map and the 19th century Ordnance Survey map, still exist, despite modern agriculture practices.
The survival of farmhouses, farm workers’ cottages, barns and small fields is fundamental to the special interest and distinctive historic character of Hannington as a small hill top agricultural settlement. More important is their relationship to each other, and to the surrounding countryside. This rural character is reinforced by the less tangible, but equally important, survival of village traditions and events such as the Fayre and the hunt kennels.
The special architectural and historic interest of Hannington is derived from a mix of individual buildings of intrinsic architectural or historic interest. Their arrangement to each other and to key spaces in the village is also significant. In addition, the open qualities of the village are reinforced by significant views out to the open countryside. These penetrate the streetscape and combine to create a Conservation Area of significant visual interest, and strongly defined character.
The church on the western side of the present day green appears to have been sited on a larger green, that originally extended as far as the manor. There are farms on three sides of the church, Manor Farm is to the west, Dicker’s Farm to the north and Hannington Farm to the south. The part of the settlement east of the green, on both sides of the road, is an area of irregularly shaped plots with cottages. Along the eastern side of the north/south road is an area of the village with a continuous rear boundary. At the northern end of the settlement, the road divides in front of the Old Rectory. The exact pattern of historic development of Hannington is uncertain. However, it is likely that from Saxon times, All Saints’ Church formed a focus for settlement. This relationship has changed little to the present day, and is a key characteristic of the village.
The development of Hannington and the surrounding area is inherently associated with farming and, in particular, the rearing of sheep for wool.
By the mid 19th century, the 1840 Tithe map illustrates the development of the village in two parts. The main focus still centred on the Green and Ibworth Lane - a secondary, and looser cluster of buildings to the north around the road junction, and separated from the first by fields. This arrangement of buildings, and the lanes running through and into the village, form the present day settlement pattern, with only minor alterations and infill. In addition, most of the field boundaries in the Conservation Area, recorded on the Tithe map and the 19th century Ordnance Survey map, still exist, despite modern agriculture practices.
The survival of farmhouses, farm workers’ cottages, barns and small fields is fundamental to the special interest and distinctive historic character of Hannington as a small hill top agricultural settlement. More important is their relationship to each other, and to the surrounding countryside. This rural character is reinforced by the less tangible, but equally important, survival of village traditions and events such as the Fayre and the hunt kennels.
The special architectural and historic interest of Hannington is derived from a mix of individual buildings of intrinsic architectural or historic interest. Their arrangement to each other and to key spaces in the village is also significant. In addition, the open qualities of the village are reinforced by significant views out to the open countryside. These penetrate the streetscape and combine to create a Conservation Area of significant visual interest, and strongly defined character.
Built Form
Thirteen buildings or structures in the village of Hannington are included on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, most are of local importance (Grade II) but All Saints’ Church is listed as being of national importance (Grade I).
Principally of brick and/or timber-frame construction, the majority of the listed buildings date from the 17th ,18th and early 19th centuries. However, Tan-y-Bryn Cottage (dated by dendrochronology to 1360) and All Saints’ Church are notably earlier. Although subject to minor alterations or extensions, most buildings retain their original form and appearance. For example, the ordered, symmetrical 18th century elevations of Manor Farm and Dickers Farm are characteristic of their period. Bertha’s Cottage and Pixie Cottage reflect their earlier 17th century date and associated vernacular building traditions, most notable are their sweeping thatched roofs and exposed timber-frames. The listed buildings are located at key visual points in the streetscene, and make a significant contribution to the special qualities of the Conservation Area.
The villagescape, however, comprises a number of unlisted buildings, mainly dating from the 19th century. These are predominantly constructed of vernacular materials, namely brick and clay tile, and strongly reinforce the distinctive spatial qualities and visual interest of the village.
Principally of brick and/or timber-frame construction, the majority of the listed buildings date from the 17th ,18th and early 19th centuries. However, Tan-y-Bryn Cottage (dated by dendrochronology to 1360) and All Saints’ Church are notably earlier. Although subject to minor alterations or extensions, most buildings retain their original form and appearance. For example, the ordered, symmetrical 18th century elevations of Manor Farm and Dickers Farm are characteristic of their period. Bertha’s Cottage and Pixie Cottage reflect their earlier 17th century date and associated vernacular building traditions, most notable are their sweeping thatched roofs and exposed timber-frames. The listed buildings are located at key visual points in the streetscene, and make a significant contribution to the special qualities of the Conservation Area.
The villagescape, however, comprises a number of unlisted buildings, mainly dating from the 19th century. These are predominantly constructed of vernacular materials, namely brick and clay tile, and strongly reinforce the distinctive spatial qualities and visual interest of the village.
Key Individual Buildings and Groups of Buildings
The particular character of the Hannington is derived as much from the contribution made by the relationship of buildings to each other, and the spaces that surround them, as the intrinsic qualities of individual historic buildings. Although physically and visually linked, the buildings form three groups. These are the well-spaced cluster centred around the church and green, the short linear grouping along Ibworth Lane, and the irregular arrangement forming the northern focus of the settlement. The first of these groups comprise a number of substantial buildings each significant in its own right. The group as a whole serves to define the village green as a visually enclosed space. This character contrasts with the immediacy of the open countryside, apparent to the west and south. The distinctive arrangement of the buildings, and the spaces between them, affords opportunities for the appreciation of the buildings and their settings from a variety of vantage points. This is particularly noticable with All Saints’ Church and Church Cottage. The church dates from the 11th century with 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 19th century alterations. In Saxon times, a building with an aisleless nave and chancel stood on this site. The present nave is mainly Norman, with some remaining elements of earlier Saxon fabric. The south aisle was added before 1200, and the chancel rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 19th century, the nave and aisle were lengthened, and a north porch and bell turret were added. The church is constructed of flint walling with stone dressings and a tile roof with a small broach spire covered in shingles. There are two interesting examples of modern church windows, designed and engraved by Laurence Whistler. In the south aisle, the window is in memory of William Whistler, a local farmer. It depicts the scythe of time rising up to point to a sheaf of corn. The second, on the south side of the chancel, is in remembrance of Rose Hodson, and depicts the house, built in 1793, where she lived for 22 years.Although set back from the main village green, and partially screened by Church Cottage in views from the east, the church dominates the spaces and surrounding buildings. Its spire is a significant landmark. The long vista to the church and spire from Ibworth Lane, and the view of the north elevation from Manor Farm, are particularly notable. They make an important contribution to the visual interest of the Conservation Area. Also of special interest is the way in which Church Cottage, Manor Farm, and the long range of outbuildings at Hannington Farm define the churchyard and provide the setting to the church.In the immediate vicinity of the church are Manor Farmhouse and barns, Hannington Farm (and associated outbuildings) and Dickers Farmhouse. Manor Farmhouse (Grade II) dates from the early 18th century, and has a symmetrical north façade and red brick walling in Flemish bond. Situated directly to the west of the church, the west gable end and substantial clay tile roof slopes are prominent features in views across the village green.
To the north of this building is a large contemporary five-bay timber-frame barn with aisles. The timber-frame is integrated into a brick plinth wall, and the building is weatherboarded. Originally thatched, the barn now has a corrugated tin roof. This is a dominant building, which reinforces the rural qualities of the Conservation Area.
Dickers Farmhouse (Grade II) dates from the 18th century, with 20th century alterations. It has a symmetrical arrangement of sash windows around a central entrance door. Constructed of red brick in Flemish bond, it has rubbed flat arches over the window openings and a hipped clay tile roof.
To the south of the church is the Hannington Farm complex of buildings, which include a large 18th century barn and 19th century granary (both Grade II listed). These form a strong group, and reinforce the essential farming tradition of the Conservation Area. They also help define the southern edge of the village green and the setting to the church. The change in levels between the churchyard and farmyard is not only of historic significance, but affords important views west and south west to the surrounding countryside.
Church Cottage, originally a symmetrical pair of 19th century cottages, is of simple vernacular appearance. It is of key streetscape significance, given its central location between the village green and the church. The polychromatic brick and flint rear elevation is also important. This forms the context to the church and prominent in views from the churchyard eastwards towards the village.
Completing the group (together with a modern development of five houses on the southern perimeter) that defines the village green are two buildings, fronting the main road. Lark Hill dates from the 20th century and complements the vernacular scale and materials of the group. Rose Cottage is a single-storey brick structure, with some exposed timber-framing in the north gable. Dominant lateral chimneystacks and three full dormers punctuate the steep roof. Situated at a key position in the Conservation Area it serves to define the south-easterly limited of the enclosed village green. A notable building of particular streetscape merit, its front elevation also forms a focal point in the long vista from the south, this is due to its location at the apex of a bend in the road. The slight angle of the elevation deflects the view to suggest further interest beyond.
Immediately to the rear of Rose Cottage is a long weatherboard and thatch outbuilding. The large roof slope is emphasised by the low eaves. The two buildings form a distinctive feature in views from all directions.
Two unusual listed structures are also located in this central focus on the village. The late 19th century lych-gate to the church is constructed of a timber-frame with flanking stone walls. The roof, steeply pitched and hipped, has a red clay tile covering, and a short ridge surmounted by a wrought-iron cross. The double gate is timber, decorated with cusped panels. Opposite this lych-gate, on the village green, is a timber-framed well head, dated 1897. This was built to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria, and has a pyramidal roof, covered with red clay tiles. The four timber posts rest on chamfered stone blocks, surrounding a blue brick floor. These two structures are prominent and distinctive features that enhance the special character of the village and Conservation Area.
To the east of the village green is Tan-y-Bryn Cottage, a two bay ‘cruck’ timber-frame with red brick infilling and half hipped thatch roof, which is the oldest cruck frame cottage in Hampshire.
The second group of important historic buildings is located along Ibworth Lane. They are of varied architectural form and period, situated in large but irregular plots. This creates a sense of semi-rural character, emphasised by the views eastwards along the lane from Standen House into open countryside.
Hannington House (Grade II), dates from the early 19th century. A well-mannered building of intended status, it is of brick construction and ordered fenestration in the main south elevation. Bertha’s Cottage (Grade II) lies at the eastern entrance to the Conservation Area. It dates from the 17th century with later alterations, and is a small timber-framed building with a steep thatched roof and eyebrow dormers. Pixie Cottage (Grade II) is situated at the ‘dogleg’ in the road. It is also a small timber-framed building with thatched roof and dormers. Its position in the streetscene is prominent, particularly terminating views eastwards along Ibworth Lane.
This important group also includes Standen House and Stoney Hall which are clearly visible from the village green. They provide an important historic context and setting to the listed buildings along Ibworth Lane, on the edge of the village.
The third group of buildings is irregular in arrangement, following the road to the north. Apart from the Old Rectory, the buildings differ from those to the south by way of their smaller scale, informal character and more compact arrangement. Most date from the 19th century. There is, however, a small cluster of older cottages on the eastern side of the main road that have a cohesive appearance and historic character.
Dicker’s Cottage (Grade II) dates from the 18th century. It is a two-storey red brick thatched cottage, with distinctive eyebrow dormers. Yew Tree House (Grade II) is also a red brick, one-storey cottage with some exposed framing and brick nogging, but with a tile roof. The cladding of the building in the 18th century hides an earlier structure. Adjoining these buildings are the timber-framed and brick Honeypot Cottage and Meadham Cottage.
The Old Rectory dates from the early and mid 19th century and is a two-storey, painted brick building set back from the road and in a mature landscape setting. The hipped slate roof is glimpsed through the trees. To the north-west is a small timber-clad cart shed, which defines the limit of the settlement.
On the eastern side of the main road is Abbotts Thatch. Its flank is prominent in views along the main road from the south. Others in this irregular, but complementary, vernacular grouping include the Old School, the School House, Plum Tree Cottage, Lintells and Old Post Cottage.
To the north-east of the village, the gable end and lateral chimneystack of Old Walls punctuate the lane in views from the south. The adjoining 19th century chapel retains its original form and design.
To the south of the historic core of the settlement are The Vine Inn public house and South Lodge, both of vernacular architectural interest. They contribute in creating the transition between village edge, modern development, and the historic village core.
To the north of this building is a large contemporary five-bay timber-frame barn with aisles. The timber-frame is integrated into a brick plinth wall, and the building is weatherboarded. Originally thatched, the barn now has a corrugated tin roof. This is a dominant building, which reinforces the rural qualities of the Conservation Area.
Dickers Farmhouse (Grade II) dates from the 18th century, with 20th century alterations. It has a symmetrical arrangement of sash windows around a central entrance door. Constructed of red brick in Flemish bond, it has rubbed flat arches over the window openings and a hipped clay tile roof.
To the south of the church is the Hannington Farm complex of buildings, which include a large 18th century barn and 19th century granary (both Grade II listed). These form a strong group, and reinforce the essential farming tradition of the Conservation Area. They also help define the southern edge of the village green and the setting to the church. The change in levels between the churchyard and farmyard is not only of historic significance, but affords important views west and south west to the surrounding countryside.
Church Cottage, originally a symmetrical pair of 19th century cottages, is of simple vernacular appearance. It is of key streetscape significance, given its central location between the village green and the church. The polychromatic brick and flint rear elevation is also important. This forms the context to the church and prominent in views from the churchyard eastwards towards the village.
Completing the group (together with a modern development of five houses on the southern perimeter) that defines the village green are two buildings, fronting the main road. Lark Hill dates from the 20th century and complements the vernacular scale and materials of the group. Rose Cottage is a single-storey brick structure, with some exposed timber-framing in the north gable. Dominant lateral chimneystacks and three full dormers punctuate the steep roof. Situated at a key position in the Conservation Area it serves to define the south-easterly limited of the enclosed village green. A notable building of particular streetscape merit, its front elevation also forms a focal point in the long vista from the south, this is due to its location at the apex of a bend in the road. The slight angle of the elevation deflects the view to suggest further interest beyond.
Immediately to the rear of Rose Cottage is a long weatherboard and thatch outbuilding. The large roof slope is emphasised by the low eaves. The two buildings form a distinctive feature in views from all directions.
Two unusual listed structures are also located in this central focus on the village. The late 19th century lych-gate to the church is constructed of a timber-frame with flanking stone walls. The roof, steeply pitched and hipped, has a red clay tile covering, and a short ridge surmounted by a wrought-iron cross. The double gate is timber, decorated with cusped panels. Opposite this lych-gate, on the village green, is a timber-framed well head, dated 1897. This was built to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria, and has a pyramidal roof, covered with red clay tiles. The four timber posts rest on chamfered stone blocks, surrounding a blue brick floor. These two structures are prominent and distinctive features that enhance the special character of the village and Conservation Area.
To the east of the village green is Tan-y-Bryn Cottage, a two bay ‘cruck’ timber-frame with red brick infilling and half hipped thatch roof, which is the oldest cruck frame cottage in Hampshire.
The second group of important historic buildings is located along Ibworth Lane. They are of varied architectural form and period, situated in large but irregular plots. This creates a sense of semi-rural character, emphasised by the views eastwards along the lane from Standen House into open countryside.
Hannington House (Grade II), dates from the early 19th century. A well-mannered building of intended status, it is of brick construction and ordered fenestration in the main south elevation. Bertha’s Cottage (Grade II) lies at the eastern entrance to the Conservation Area. It dates from the 17th century with later alterations, and is a small timber-framed building with a steep thatched roof and eyebrow dormers. Pixie Cottage (Grade II) is situated at the ‘dogleg’ in the road. It is also a small timber-framed building with thatched roof and dormers. Its position in the streetscene is prominent, particularly terminating views eastwards along Ibworth Lane.
This important group also includes Standen House and Stoney Hall which are clearly visible from the village green. They provide an important historic context and setting to the listed buildings along Ibworth Lane, on the edge of the village.
The third group of buildings is irregular in arrangement, following the road to the north. Apart from the Old Rectory, the buildings differ from those to the south by way of their smaller scale, informal character and more compact arrangement. Most date from the 19th century. There is, however, a small cluster of older cottages on the eastern side of the main road that have a cohesive appearance and historic character.
Dicker’s Cottage (Grade II) dates from the 18th century. It is a two-storey red brick thatched cottage, with distinctive eyebrow dormers. Yew Tree House (Grade II) is also a red brick, one-storey cottage with some exposed framing and brick nogging, but with a tile roof. The cladding of the building in the 18th century hides an earlier structure. Adjoining these buildings are the timber-framed and brick Honeypot Cottage and Meadham Cottage.
The Old Rectory dates from the early and mid 19th century and is a two-storey, painted brick building set back from the road and in a mature landscape setting. The hipped slate roof is glimpsed through the trees. To the north-west is a small timber-clad cart shed, which defines the limit of the settlement.
On the eastern side of the main road is Abbotts Thatch. Its flank is prominent in views along the main road from the south. Others in this irregular, but complementary, vernacular grouping include the Old School, the School House, Plum Tree Cottage, Lintells and Old Post Cottage.
To the north-east of the village, the gable end and lateral chimneystack of Old Walls punctuate the lane in views from the south. The adjoining 19th century chapel retains its original form and design.
To the south of the historic core of the settlement are The Vine Inn public house and South Lodge, both of vernacular architectural interest. They contribute in creating the transition between village edge, modern development, and the historic village core.
The Character and Importance of Public and Private Spaces
The open spaces in this Conservation Area are extremely important, as they help to define the development of the village. In Hannington, many important views, and settings to buildings, are derived from the relationship between the buildings and key open spaces.The fields within and surrounding the Conservation Area are visible throughout the village, and provide extensive views out to the surrounding open countryside. The fields to the south-west, north-east and west of the village have traditional names and are described on the Award to the Tithe Map as Parsonage Piece, Barn Meadow, King’s Meadow and Village Meadow. To the north-east is Michael’s Field, now used as the village recreation ground, an important community facility.The most prominent open space in Hannington is the village green. This open area is essential to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. It demonstrates the historic development of the village, and is an historic focus for the community. Adjoining the village green is the churchyard, which possesses a distinctive, intimate character.
The substantial gardens to many properties contribute to the open character of the Conservation Area. These provide important settings to the buildings, and enable views through to the countryside beyond. The garden to Stoney Hall, for example, affords views of the outbuilding to the rear of Rose Cottage.
Mature trees are scattered around the Conservation Area, both singly and in small coppices, reflecting the character of the surrounding Downland landscape. The verges to the lanes are generally hedge-lined and dense, with ‘hedgerow trees’, providing a verdant and intimate quality.
The substantial gardens to many properties contribute to the open character of the Conservation Area. These provide important settings to the buildings, and enable views through to the countryside beyond. The garden to Stoney Hall, for example, affords views of the outbuilding to the rear of Rose Cottage.
Mature trees are scattered around the Conservation Area, both singly and in small coppices, reflecting the character of the surrounding Downland landscape. The verges to the lanes are generally hedge-lined and dense, with ‘hedgerow trees’, providing a verdant and intimate quality.
The Setting of the Conservation Area
The village is surrounded by countryside with a substantial part of the Conservation Area consisting of open fields and other spaces. Hannington is the only hill-top downland village in the Borough. No other village has such extensive, all round views of its Conservation Area. The sense of isolation is heightened by the views that exist from, or near to, the boundaries of the Conservation Area. Every major settlement in the Borough, including Basingstoke, Oakley, Tadley, Kingsclere, Overton and Whitchurch, is partly visible. Further afield, it is possible to see Reading and the Didcot Power Station in Oxfordshire to the north; the hills on the Wiltshire side of Stockbridge, and the Test Valley to the south.Immediately outside the Conservation Area is one of the most undeveloped areas of downland in the Borough. The downland and the village are historically integral.