Formerly a part of Michelmersh, there is no mention of Braishfield in the Domesday Survey but the parish has a number of prehistoric settlement sits and what could be a Roman villa.

Broom Hill is the location what is probably Britains oldest building, a mesolithic hut that is 8,500 years old and was found in 1971 by Michael O'Malley. Nearby is Fern Hill and the Test Valley Archaeological Trust discovered a Roman Bath House and villa.

Nearby Farley Beacon was where a signal fire was lit to warn of the coming of the Spanish Amada.

Braishfield is about four miles to the north of Romsey and in 1981 it consisted of about 700 hectares and had a population of 588. As described above it is a scattered village can though there are no main roads, railway or canals crossing the parish it consists mainly of narrow lanes, footpaths and bridleways. The area around the village is arable farming land and there are quite a few farmhouses dotted around. The village did get good publicity when the children's television series Worzel Gummidge was filmed at Pucknell Farm. The series starred the late Jon Pertwee and the farm starred as 'Scatterbrook Farm' other nearby villages were also used as backgrounds and locations. A brick house that has a 'hipped' roof is Braishfield  Manor and it was William Butterfield who was the architect who designed and built the church of All Saints.( photo left) This too was built of brick and was finally constructed in 1855. Braishfield use to hold an annual Country Show which was very popular, and England Strongest man used to live here and take part in the show, Gary Windebank who sadly died a little while ago was famous for lifting a mini car, and also for lifting the largest amount of car tyres.

All Saints Church, exterior and interior Photographs of All Saints contributed by Hami Pritchard

THE BRAISHFIELD GHOST

Windmill Cottage, where earlier in the 20th century a rich woman lived and became obsessed with the idea that someone would steal all her riches, can be found in aptly enough Dark Lane!

 Local stories say that she decided that it was much safer to bury her money somewhere near the cottage, but she died without telling anybody where it was buried.

And ever since reports have stated that her ghost has been seen many times walking under a tree nearby and knocking on the door of the cottage. Sometimes she has been seen just sitting by the garden gate.

It has also been said that Dogs would grown and their fur bristle when getting close to the tree. So far though no-one has admitted searching and finding her money!

See the ghost hunters story