Comphouse Common

Downs, Moorland in Hampshire Winchester

England

Comphouse Common

Ford in Pigeon House Lane Credit: David Martin

Comphouse Common is a picturesque area located in Hampshire, England. Situated amidst the stunning Hampshire Downs and Moorland, this vast expanse of natural beauty covers an area of approximately 500 acres. The common is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The landscape of Comphouse Common is characterized by rolling hills, open grasslands, and scattered patches of woodland. The Downs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the Moorland offers a unique habitat for a variety of wildlife.

The common is home to a diverse range of plant species, including heather, gorse, and wildflowers, which create a vibrant and colorful display during the summer months. The area is also known for its ancient oak trees that dot the landscape, providing shelter and nesting sites for numerous bird species.

Comphouse Common is a haven for wildlife, with an abundance of animal species calling it home. Visitors may spot rabbits, deer, and foxes roaming freely, while birdwatchers can observe a wide array of species, including skylarks, kestrels, and buzzards. The common is also home to several rare and protected species, such as the Dartford warbler and the silver-studded blue butterfly.

The area offers a network of walking trails and paths, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Comphouse Common while enjoying the fresh air and tranquility of the countryside. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this natural gem provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the captivating beauty of Hampshire's Downs and Moorland.

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Comphouse Common Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.872645/-1.0848223 or Grid Reference SU6408. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ford in Pigeon House Lane

David Martin

Looking down Mill Lane

Narrow lane descending the dip slope of Portsdown Hill.

David Martin

Naval Research Centre

A section of a photo taken from Portchester Castle

Peter Jeffery

Looking northwards from Portsdown Hill

Peter Shimmon

View from Portsdown Hill in 1982 (3)

For the first two views see SU6204 : View from Portsdown Hill in 1982 (1) and SU6005 : View from Portsdown Hill in 1982 (2).

Peter Shimmon

The road passing Creech Farm

I can find no name for the road.

Shazz

The yard at Creech Farm

Shazz

The house at Creech Farm

Shazz

St James without the Priory Gate, Southwick

The church of St James without the Priory Gate is unusual in that it is a Peculiar and is outside the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Bishop. The church was rebuilt in 1566 and so is a rare example of a Tudor church from after the reformation. The church is "remarkable for its furnishings" according to Pevsner who also says that "Until lately it was one of the best examples of an 'unrestored' church in the South of England, with box pews, three-decker pulpit, gallery, classical reredos, and hardly anything post-Georgian. Alas, in the 1950s the nave pews, having been found to be worm-eaten beyond repair, were cleared away and replaced by polished open pews which are about as incongruous as any seating could be in such a church. Despite this depletion it remains a delightful interior, still with a pre-Victorian atmosphere." Southwick House was the base of General Eisenhower in the period leading up to D-Day and the planning of Operation Overlord was centred in Southwick House.

Marathon

Looking towards Southwick Church and the former school

Marathon

Houses in High Street, Southwick

Southwick House was the base of General Eisenhower in the period leading up to D-Day and the planning of Operation Overlord was centred in Southwick House. The church of St James without the Priory Gate, seen beyond the wall, is unusual in that it is a Peculiar and is outside the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Bishop. The church was rebuilt in 1566 and so is a rare example of a Tudor church from after the reformation. The church is "remarkable for its furnishings" according to Pevsner who also says that "Until lately it was one of the best examples of an 'unrestored' church in the South of England, with box pews, three-decker pulpit, gallery, classical reredos, and hardly anything post-Georgian. Alas, in the 1950s the nave pews, having been found to be worm-eaten beyond repair, were cleared away and replaced by polished open pews which are about as incongruous as any seating could be in such a church. Despite this depletion it remains a delightful interior, still with a pre-Victorian atmosphere."

Marathon

Inside St James without the Priory Gate, Southwick

The church of St James without the Priory Gate is unusual in that it is a Peculiar and is outside the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Bishop. The church was rebuilt in 1566 and so is a rare example of a Tudor church from after the reformation. The church is "remarkable for its furnishings" according to Pevsner who also says that "Until lately it was one of the best examples of an 'unrestored' church in the South of England, with box pews, three-decker pulpit, gallery, classical reredos, and hardly anything post-Georgian. Alas, in the 1950s the nave pews, having been found to be worm-eaten beyond repair, were cleared away and replaced by polished open pews which are about as incongruous as any seating could be in such a church. Despite this depletion it remains a delightful interior, still with a pre-Victorian atmosphere." As can be seen here, at least some of the box pews were saved. Southwick House was the base of General Eisenhower in the period leading up to D-Day and the planning of Operation Overlord was centred in Southwick House.

Marathon

Dying for the British Empire, Southwick Church

Lieutenant General The Honourable Sir Hercules Robert Pakenham and his wife Emily gave four sons who died in the service of the British Empire. Edward fell at Inkermann in 1854 during the Crimean War, Robert fell at Lucknow in 1857, Edward at Fort Gwalior in 1861, and Charles who "died of decline on board the 'Hydaspes' in the Red Sea in 1873". For another view of the monument and more about the church see Link

Marathon

Inside St James without the Priory Gate, Southwick

The church of St James without the Priory Gate is unusual in that it is a Peculiar and is outside the jurisdiction of the Diocesan Bishop. The church was rebuilt in 1566 and so is a rare example of a Tudor church from after the reformation. The church is "remarkable for its furnishings" according to Pevsner who also says that "Until lately it was one of the best examples of an 'unrestored' church in the South of England, with box pews, three-decker pulpit, gallery, classical reredos, and hardly anything post-Georgian. Alas, in the 1950s the nave pews, having been found to be worm-eaten beyond repair, were cleared away and replaced by polished open pews which are about as incongruous as any seating could be in such a church. Despite this depletion it remains a delightful interior, still with a pre-Victorian atmosphere." As can be seen here, at least some of the box pews were saved. The memorial above the window is a fascinating relic of the British Empire of the mid-19th century. For its detail see Link Southwick House was the base of General Eisenhower in the period leading up to D-Day and the planning of Operation Overlord was centred in Southwick House.

Marathon