The church of St Mary the Virgin, Old Alresford, dates from the 18th century. However, there is much to suggest that the site has been a place of worship for over 1,000 years. Local tradition states that after a succesful battle against the Danes (in approx the 10th century) the Saxons erected a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Although there is little evidence to support this the Domesday census notes that there was a chapel here and the list of rectors in the church dates from th 13th century.
The body of the church and the chancel were taken down and rebuilt in 1753 followed by the tower in 1769, the bells being cast and hung in 1770.
The Mothers' Union was founded in Old Alresford in 1875 by the then rector's wife Mary Sumner. A tablet to her memory was placed in the church in 1936.
To the South end of the churchyard is a mauseoleum built by Mr. Schwerdt on his own land for family burials, this was incorporated into the churchyard together with the land by the road, at a service of consecration in 1932.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
Location 1
| N51° 05.976' |
Q1: What year was this structure restored? |
| W001° 09.695' |
A1: 19A2 |
Location 2
| N51° 05.952' |
Q2: Evans et Evanss, shine your light on me? |
| W001° 09.710' |
A2: 197B |
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Q3: In memory of Rosemary Paul. |
|
A3: Born: 22/March/19C2 |
|
A3: Died: 1D/July/1975 |
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Q4: Air Commadore Christopher Paul? |
|
A4: 31/Oct/1E07 |
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A4: F1/Jan/20GH |
Location 3
| N51° 05.921' |
Q5: Number of stone swords in Triangle? = I |
| W001° 09.721' |
Q6: Number of Fleur de Leys in Triangle? = J |
Final Location
Answer
| N5F° G (I+J) . E (B+F+I) (J+C) ' |
| W00(H-I)° G (D+H) . (A-I) (A+I) I ' |