History

The village of Herriard, midway between Basingstoke and Alton, is situated in one of the most attractive areas of north Hampshire. The gently rolling hills with its hedges and many woods keep the quiet and rural feel now lost to much of southern England. Beautiful beechwoods and parkland visible along the busy A339 are part of the Herriard Estate to which much of the village and surrounding farms belong.

Herriard evolved as a group of small hamlets and farms tracing their history back to Saxon and Danish agricultural settlements. Despite being affected by the Black Death, the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the Civil War, for hundreds of years this essential farming character was largely retained.

Hugh de Port was lord at the time of the Doomsday Survey, the over lordship being held by his descendants the St. Johns in the reigns of Henry III and Edward III. In the early thirteenth century John de Heryerd was lord, and the manor passed to the de Coudrays and remained in this family until 1528 when Dorothy Coudray died leaving three daughters. The manor passed by the female line to the Paulets and then the Jervoise family.

Herriard House, set in the picturesque Herriard Park, was the seat of the Jervoise family from 1601. The original mansion was destroyed by fire about 1704, and replaced by a stately brick building which was built around 1706. Herriard House became derelict and was demolished in the 1960s.

Herriard Grange occupies the site of a grange which once belonged to the nuns of Witney Priory. The nuns were dispersed at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and the property was granted to the Paulet family. Granges were barns, or farm-houses with barns attached, for the storage of corn and tithes belonging.

Much changed in the Twentieth century and the village now has easy access to excellent road rail sea and airport connections. This has enabled the growth of a wide mix of local and international businesses including joiners, builders, a sawmill, architects and surveyors, consultants, software companies and high tech electronics businesses. Over 35 businesses now employ around 150 people, maintaining the vitality of the village and supporting the much appreciated Pub, British Legion Hall, Church and Sports Club.

The Parish Council, supported by the estate, has provided affordable housing both for families and retired people. This and the local estates policy to give preference to local people when house are available to rent, has enabled many families to stay in the area. As a result over half the families have long term links to the village, which combined with the additional enthusiasm and ideas of those moving in has maintained a friendly traditional and close village community.

We are all determined to maintain and build our community, while cautiously evolving as we must – Welcome to Herriard!

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