Priory Park

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire Winchester

England

Priory Park

On the course of the Roman road through Wintershill estate Credit: Peter Facey

Priory Park is a picturesque 200-acre public park located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated on the outskirts of the town of Southwick, the park offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and recreational amenities.

The park is predominantly characterized by its beautiful Downs and Moorland, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The rolling hills, covered in lush greenery and dotted with wildflowers, make it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The diverse wildlife in the area, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species, adds to the park's charm.

One of the park's main attractions is the historic Southwick House, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 19th century. This grand mansion, with its elegant architecture and well-preserved interiors, offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. The house is surrounded by well-manicured gardens, which provide a peaceful setting for leisurely walks and picnics.

For those seeking recreational activities, Priory Park offers a range of amenities. The park boasts well-maintained walking and cycling trails, allowing visitors to explore the expansive grounds at their own pace. There are also several sports facilities, including tennis courts, a football pitch, and a children's playground, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy their time in the park.

Additionally, Priory Park hosts various events throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and seasonal fairs, which attract both locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Priory Park in Hampshire offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, combining natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities in one idyllic setting.

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Priory Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.951484/-1.224086 or Grid Reference SU5417. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

On the course of the Roman road through Wintershill estate

Peter Facey

Permissive path on Roman road at Wintershill

Although shown as a straight line on the OS map, the public footpath actually dog legs to the left through the stile. The Roman road continues straight ahead which is also a permissive path.

Peter Facey

The Wintershill Jubilee path

A newly-made permissive path through the Wintershill estate to mark the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It runs from the intersection of the Roman road and Wintershill road, seen here, westwards up Winters Hill to Sciviers Lane. The path runs roughly parallel to Wintershill road, about 30 yards from it. Although the start here is not particularly attractive, it gets better further on.

Peter Facey

The Wintershill Jubilee path

A newly-made permissive path through the Wintershill estate to mark the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It runs from the intersection of the Roman road and Wintershill road, westwards up Winters Hill to Sciviers Lane. The path runs roughly parallel to Wintershill road, about 30 yards from it

Peter Facey

The Wintershill Jubilee path

Peter Facey

The Wintershill Jubilee path

Peter Facey

The Wintershill Jubilee path

With buttercups. A newly-made permissive path through the Wintershill estate to mark the platinum jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It runs from the intersection of the Roman road and Wintershill road, seen here, westwards up Winters Hill to Sciviers Lane. The path runs roughly parallel to Wintershill road, about 30 yards from it. A public footpath runs off-picture to the right from here through the centre of the estate.

Peter Facey

Esso pipeline works crossing Wintershill Road

Aerial. The pipeline here runs diagonally across the road (but left to right in this photo). There are deep excavations in the two works compounds seen in the photo to facilitate an auger boring operation. The launch area is at right and the reception area at left.

Peter Facey

Reception area for auger boring under Wintershill Road

Aerial. Looking vertically down into the deep excavation on the northeast side which is the reception area of the auger boring operation. Something is seen sticking out of the soil near the bottom of the escavation. However, his does not look like the usual ( SU6227 : One of the steel pipes) 323.9 mm diameter steel pipe, so I am assuming it is slightly larger and the real pipe will be threaded through it. That remains to be seen.

Peter Facey

Launch area for auger boring under Wintershill Road

Aerial. This is the deep excavation in the compound on the southwest side which is the launch area of the auger boring operation. The blue machine sitting at the bottom of the excavation may be a hydraulic boring machine. For the other end of this hole see SU5318 : Reception area for auger boring under Wintershill Road. The three items at ground level on the left are, top to bottom: a diesel powered electric generator or hydraulic pump (not sure which), an electric generator and welding kit, and an air compressor. For a wider view see Link.

Peter Facey

Launch area for auger boring under Winstershill Road

A works compound of the Esso pipeline laying project 2022. Some of the helical augers can be seen beyond the yellow excavator.

Peter Facey

Launch area for auger boring under Wintershill Road

Aerial.

Peter Facey

Armadillo security device at Wintershill Road works

Four of these devices were deployed by PID Systems ( Link

) to protect the equipment used in the Esso pipeline laying works, which were unattended on Sundays. They relay CCTV by 4G to a central control room.

Peter Facey

Launch area compound for auger boring operation at Wintershill Road

Aerial. Well, Esso had said they would use pipe pushing here, but upon examination of this photo I think they were using auger boring. Esso have subsequently confirmed this. The augers can be seen in the blue racks just below the excavator in this photo. Also to be seen by their shadows are the four Armadillo security devices (Link ). Going anticlockwise from the deep excavation in this photo: The light blue thing is a diesel powered hydraulic pump (I think), the darker blue thing is an electric generator and welding equipment, the yellow thing is an air compressor. The blue thing just above the arm of the excavator may possibly be a concrete pump. Then there is a Cat 325F excavator, the helical augers already mentioned, and a dump truck.

Peter Facey