Middleton

Settlement in Hampshire

England

Middleton

Fields near Warren Farm The most westerly farm on the island, with fields in the valley between Headon Hill and West High Down. — Fields near Warren Farm Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Middleton is a picturesque village located in the county of Hampshire, England. Situated on the edge of the South Downs National Park, it enjoys a tranquil setting amidst rolling hills and lush greenery. With a population of around 1,500 residents, Middleton exudes a strong sense of community and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

One of the defining features of Middleton is its charming architecture. The village boasts a mix of historic thatched cottages, Georgian houses, and modern homes, creating a unique blend of old and new. The local church, St. Mary's, is a notable landmark, dating back to the 12th century and showcasing beautiful stained glass windows.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by Middleton's natural surroundings. The village is surrounded by stunning countryside, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. The nearby South Downs Way, a long-distance footpath, provides breathtaking views of the Hampshire countryside.

Despite its rural setting, Middleton is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities. The market town of Petersfield is just a short drive away, offering a range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Additionally, the city of Portsmouth, with its historic dockyard and vibrant waterfront, is within easy reach.

Middleton also benefits from a strong community spirit, with various local events and activities taking place throughout the year. These include summer fairs, village fetes, and sports tournaments, providing opportunities for residents to come together and socialize.

Overall, Middleton is a charming village that offers a peaceful and idyllic lifestyle, surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community.

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Middleton Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.676608/-1.530374 or Grid Reference SZ3386. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Fields near Warren Farm

The most westerly farm on the island, with fields in the valley between Headon Hill and West High Down.

Des Blenkinsopp

Windswept Tree, West High Down

Probably the last tree along the path to The Needles. Open grassland from now on, and it can get a bit breezy.

Des Blenkinsopp

Gate on the Downs

A fenceline separates West High Down and Tennyson Down. There's not a lot of difference between them apart from Tennyson Down having more trees along the north slope and a big monument on top.

Des Blenkinsopp

Grass & Heather, Tennyson Down

Does someone really come up here and mow this great wide footpath? It seems a lot of work, but why else would the heather stop growing in such a neat line.

Des Blenkinsopp

Monument to a Poet

The impressive monument to Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, who was Poet Laureate for much of the Victorian era. He lived at nearby Farringford House for nearly 40 years and used to walk on the down almost every day, saying that the air was worth 'sixpence a pint'. I looked up about why he was Alfred Lord Tennyson and not Lord Alfred Tennyson. The following link gives an answer, but what a rigmarole. Link

Des Blenkinsopp

Track up Tennyson Down

The north side of Tennyson Down faces away from the sea and is much more sheltered. It is quite thickly wooded in places.

Des Blenkinsopp

Freshwater Bay

Freshwater Bay has formed in a break in the chalk cliffs. The rocks shown here are at the SE corner of the bay, viewed from the promenade - Stag Rock, Arched Rock & Mermaid Rock (right to left). A cave is also visible. A fishing boat is moored. Photo taken in June or July 1973. Arched Rock subsequently collapsed in 1992.

Ian Taylor

Walkers on Tennyson Down

Paul Coueslant

Grazing above Freshwater Bay

Paul Coueslant

Bus terminus, Freshwater Bay â 1978

Southern Vectis was the principal operator on the island from the 1930s having come under control of the Southern Railway in 1929. By 1978 it was part of the National Bus Company. Bus 673, a Bristol VR with ECW bodywork, is seen in the standard NBC livery of leaf green, and is representative of what was effectively the standard NBC double deck bus of the period. It is parked at the entrance to the Freshwater Bay Golf Club on Southdown Road waiting for its return to Sandown. This is one of a series of views featuring buses in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Link

Alan Murray-Rust