Harpsden

History

Remains of a Roman villa have been found about 0.5 mi southwest of the village. In the 11th century during the reign of King Edward the Confessor the manor of Harpsden belonged to Wigod, the thegn of Wallingford. After the Norman Conquest of England, Harpsden became part of the Honour of Wallingford. The Church of England parish church of Saint Margaret was originally late Norman, as evidenced by the piscina, font and a blocked doorway that survive from this period. The current windows in the nave and chancel were inserted in the 14th century, and a stone effigy of a knight dates from the same period. In 1848–54 the Gothic Revival architect Benjamin Ferrey lengthened the nave and added the north aisle and tower. In 1879 the architect Henry Woodyer restored the chancel.

Other notable buildings in the village include the Grade II* listed Harpsden Court: the current house largely dates back to the 17th century, and incorporates elements of the medieval manor house. It was the home of the Hall family until 1855. A weatherboarded barn near the church bears the date 1689. Bellehatch Park, about 0.75 mi southwest of the village, was built early in the 19th century. It is a Georgian neoclassical country house of five bays with a Doric porch and summerhouse. It was the seat of the Liberal politician Cecil Norton, who was created first Baron Rathcreedan in 1916.

Amenities

Harpsden Wood is an ancient woodland dating from at least 1600. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest covering 73 acre. Henley Golf Club is in Harpsden. Harpsden Cricket Club was founded in 1887 and thus celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012.

In media

Harpsden was used as a location in the Agatha Christie's Marple episodes "Nemesis" and "By the Pricking of My Thumbs". Harpsden Court has also been used as the set for many films, including Quantum of Solace.

Nearest places

Sonning Common

References

Sources

References

1. "Area: Harpsden CP (Parish): Parish Headcounts". [[Office for National Statistics]].
2. Sherwood & Pevsner, 1974, page 635
3. Reynolds, 1962, pages 261–267
4. [https://web.archive.org/web/20091027042038/http://geocities.com/ship_dun/ Parish Churches of Shiplake, Dunsden and Harpsden]
5. Sherwood & Pevsner, 1974, page 634
6. (2011). "A History of the County of Oxford". Boydell & Brewer.
7. [http://www.english-nature.org.uk/Special/sssi/unitlist.cfm?sssi_id=1000307 Natural England: SSSI units for Harpsden Wood]
8. [http://www.henleygc.com/ Henley Golf Club]
9. [http://www.harpsden.play-cricket.com Harpsden Cricket Club]
10. DVDs from "Agatha Christie's Marple, de complete collectie, seizoenen 1-5"
11. [https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/property/news/a2834/manor-house-movie-set-james-bond-for-sale House Beautiful]