Whitsbury – Hillfort, History and Walking Trails
Accommodation in Whitsbury
Whitsbury is shaped by its Iron Age hillfort on the chalk summit, the long barrow on the slopes of Whitsbury Down, historic buildings and the W27 walking route. On the W27, the short section between St Leonard's Church and The Cartwheel Inn differs from the circular route, which includes Whitsbury Wood.
Hillfort and Village Street
Whitsbury hillfort lies on a high chalk summit north of the village. The village street has a linear layout and is bordered by hedges and low walls; it leads to the wooded slopes of the Iron Age hillfort.
Layers of History in the Ramparts and Buildings
The inner rampart of the hillfort was built in the Early Iron Age, in the 6th to 5th centuries BC. It remained in use at least until the Middle Iron Age, which here lasted from the 4th to the 1st centuries BC. The construction and use therefore mark two distinct points in time: the rampart's dating refers to its construction, while the information about its use covers a later period.
The Church of St Leonard can also be dated to several building phases. It has medieval origins, its tower dates from the 18th century, and the church was rebuilt in 1878. The Church of St Leonard's medieval origins were followed by the 18th-century tower and the rebuilding in 1878. Another historic building detail concerns the barn 100 Metres North West of the Manor House: it dates from the early 18th century, was altered in the 19th century and is now part of the stables.
Long Barrow on Whitsbury Down
The Long barrow 600yds (550m) SE of Vanity lies on the gently south-sloping sides of Whitsbury Down and is designated a Scheduled Monument. Its location therefore differs from that of the hillfort on the high chalk summit north of the village. Its western ditch is crossed by a byway.
Walking Trails and Terrain
The short circular section of the W27 between St Leonard's Church and The Cartwheel Inn involves a steep descent across grassland and an equally steep climb through woodland. This describes the terrain of the section in specific terms. Allow for the steep changes when planning your time and energy; trail conditions may vary seasonally.
The Breamore & Whitsbury Wander W27 circular route includes Whitsbury Wood. The short W27 section runs between two endpoints across grassland and woodland; the circular route includes Whitsbury Wood. When planning, you can therefore decide whether the terrain described for a particular section or the route's connection to the wood matters most to you.
For the wider travel overview: Hampshire.
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