Hampshire Treasures

Volume 2 ( Basingstoke and Deane)

Page 249 - Popham

The earliest evidence of civilization at popham comprises prehistoric axes, arrowheads, scrapers and other flint implements found to the south east of Cocksford Down; a Neolithic flint axe was also found on Dunley Hill. Two barrows survive from the Bronze Age, and a Celtic field-system dates from the Iron Age. Some skeletons and bronze implements probably date from the Romano-British period, and the site of a Roman building has yielded flint foundations, tiles, pottery and a coin.

The manor of Popham was held of the New Minster by Hugh de Port at the time of the Domesday Survey, and passed to his descendants the St. Johns, whose rights lapsed before the fifteenth century. The manor was held by several other tenants, most notable of whom were the de Pophams who were connected with the property for over 250 years. In 1464 it was conveyed by marriage to the Barantynes, but in 1552 the manor was divided up and sold, one part going to Hugh Hunt of Kingsclere, in whose family it remained for nearly two hundred years. In 1739 the manor was purchased by Matthew Bowen and later by Alexander, first Baron Ashburton.

Near Popham Court is the site of Popham mediaeval village which was abandoned during the fifteenth century. the village was repopulated for a time in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, but again fell into decay. Extensive road development on the site has erased most traces of the deserted mediaeval village.

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