Chalton – Introduction & Brief History
The village of Chalton was designated as a Conservation Area in June 1977.
Extensive archaeological fieldwork around the village has shown that Chalton dates back to the Bronze Age, with the discovery of 100 sites within a radius of 1400 acres around the village. Since then, and until the eighteenth century Chalton has always been a significant settlement.
Character of the Conservation Area
Chalton is a charming small village set on the chalk downs between Buriton and Clanfield. It is approached by narrow winding lanes which gradually reveal the attractive historic buildings in the village.
The three lanes which serve the village converge to create two very small village greens. The village pond lies nearby.
The buildings are set out at intervals along two of the lanes. The gaps which lie between them are as important to the character of the village as the buildings themselves.
There are a number of fine, mature trees and hedges and boundary walks, all of which add to the attractive character of the village.
Important Buildings
The Church of St Michael – A Grade II listed building of the late 12th/early 13th centuries. Built in flint with stone quoins it has a plain tower with crenellated parapet and an Early English Channel. Inside there is a 15th Century font and a number of monuments. A Tombstone and the churchyard walls are also listed.
The Priory
A Grade II listed building which was once the Rectory. Built mainly in flint it is a Medieval priest’s house with later additions in the 18th and 19th centuries. The walls are of flint with stone dressings; there is also some exposed brickwork. Inside there are stone framed doorways with Tudor arches. Within the grounds are 3 stable blocks, one dating from the 18th century and the others from the 19th century.
The Manor Farm House
A Grade II listed building built mainly of flint with some stone (greensand) blocks. It is a 14th century aisled hall house with additions in all the following centuries. The walls are mainly of flint with stone quoins; there has also been some refacing carried out in brick, Inside there is a large Tudor fireplace.
The Red Lion Public House (Above)
A Grade II listed timber framed building. It was built in 1460 as a Wealden House; this form of building is very rare in Hampshire.
Sleepy Hollow
A Grade II listed building built in the early 17th century with an early 19th century extension. It is timber framed with brick infilling.
Glebe Cottage
An 18th century cottage built of malmstone with brick quoins. The roof is thatched.
Chalton as Part of the local Parish
Clanfield and Chalton Parishes were amalgamated in 1932.
Chalton is predominately a farming community but the village includes many old cottages and properties forming a picturesque setting.
The village pub The Red Lion is believed to be the oldest in Hampshire, dating back from the 16th Century, though possibly even earlier.
The Parish Church of St. Michael and All Angels has a thirteenth- century chancel; the registers include burials in woollen cloth from 1678 – 1746.
The Village Green is owned and managed by the Parish Council who protected the area from erosion by placing protective bollards around the perimeter – there is also a Parish Council notice board sited on the green.
Chalton was listed as part of the ‘Hundred of Finchdean’ in the Domesday Book.
On Windmill Hill near Chalton is Chalton Windmill which stands at 193 metres above sea level. Also on the road from Clanfield into Chalton is Butser Ancient Farm and the area round Chalton is home to many ancient sites.
The Staunton Way footpath goes through Chalton from the Queen Elizabeth Country Park which is close to the village itself.
The Admiralty Shutter Telegraph Line had a semaphore line station at Chalton.