History
The ancient church of St Andrew the Apostle is probably the oldest existing church in the Diocese of Winchester. It was originally the 'manorial church' of the even more ancient manor of Hurstbourne Priors.
The charter of Denewulf, Saxon Bishop of Winchester, dated AD 820, refers to its consecration in that year and the present church is believed to stand on the remains of the original Saxon building.
The present church was built by the Normans in the 12th century and a north chapel added in the 16th century. In the 18th century, a south transept was built for the use of the Portsmouth family (the Portsmouth Aisle), with the nave being rebuilt and the old wooden balcony replaced by a tower in AD1870. The chancel was also heavily restored but does retain some medieval details, including the chancel arch and the outline of the blocked priests door in the south wall.
The building consists of a West Tower, Nave, South Transept, North Chapel (now the vestry) and the Chancel. It has a light and airy appearance with perpendicular windows. Much of the later restoration was undertaken at the expense of the Portsmouth family who were lords of the manor until the estate was broken up in the 1950’s.
In the north wall of the chancel is a fine canopied tomb, a splendid example of 16th century craftsmanship, possibly by Dutch craftsmen employed by the famous firm of Janssen in Southwark.
The Oxenbridge Altar Tomb was built in AD 1574 and shows the recumbent figures of Sir Robert Oxenbridge, Lord of the Manor, with his wife by his side. The inscription on the north side, dated 15th December 1574, stated the tomb contains the body of Sir Robert Oxenbridge, son of Goddard Oxenbridge, and that of his wife, the daughter of Thomas Fogge, Knight at Arms.
The Bell Tower originally contained six bells which, from their dates, were installed in different periods. The treble is dated 1667 but is believed to be a recast of an even earlier treble bell.
The Font is 12th century Norman work, constructed of Caen stone. The Oak Choir Stalls were made by Lord Portsmouth’s workmen in AD1907. The Lectern, in the form of an angel, was given in memory of the 6th Earl of Portsmouth in 1918.
The Organ was designed by Sir Hubert Parry, the famous composer, and was played by him at the opening ceremony in 1906. Harry Plunket Greene (author of the book on angling “Where Bright Waters Meet”) sang as a member of the choir on that occasion.
Outside the Church stand two remarkable trees. A yew which, a century ago, was judged to between 700 and 800 years old and a horse chestnut which is not less than 200 years old and acknowledged to be the second largest in England.
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