History of the Village

The village of Horndean has a long history. 

Part of the former royal hunting reserve, the Forest of Bere, the area is believed to have been occupied since Saxon times. 

However, as is often the case, little or nothing is known about the earliest settlers.

More recent history is more readily available, and Horndean.net is grateful to local historians, John Merrell and Pamela Blake for their knowledge and use of photographs within the history section of the website.

Eighteenth Century

HORNDEAN TOLL HOUSE

In the eighteenth century Horndean was on the route of the Portsmouth to London turnpike road, and it is possible to still see two milestones in the village which are believed to come from around this era. The Toll House was situated in London Road and was demolished in the 1970’s to make way for the new A3(M) road, which was itself to have a dramatic effect on the village.

Nineteenth Century

The Lily Pond at Horndean was a central feature of the village until the construction of the motorway.

It was where junction 2 of the A3(M), although some of the area around the pond is still in the village in Dell Piece West.

You may also wish to visit the Horndean page on Hampshire County Council's HantsWeb site.