Chilton Manor Farm has an interesting and fascinating history that stretches back many centuries.
It is believed that a sizeable stately manor house, built by Sir Richard Worsley, 7th baronet, once stood in the middle of parkland at the centre of the village of Chilton Candover. Very little remains except the 800 year old yew avenue that would have once led to it, that forms a historic landmark in the area.
One of the most historic features that remains on the farm is the Buried Church of St Nicholas.
It was built in the Norman times and all that remains forms the crypt in which some original stone coffins lie. The crypt was buried and forgotten for many years, but it was stumbled upon in 1910 by a local vicar who set about restoring to its current condition. It is open to the public and two services a year are held there in the open air.
The site of the old house and buried church are being slowly explored and researched by archaeologists and metal detectorists and fragments of the estate’s history and heritage are being being pieced together.
The farm is also situated on the Roman town of Stanchester. An archaeological dig on the site is ongoing, overseen by the University College of London and many unusual & interesting artefacts have been uncovered. If you’d like to get involved, do get in touch!