| Heckfield & Mattingley | ||||||||||||||||||
| The north of the county is the location for the two
villages of Heckfield and Mattingley which share the borders of
Berkshire and Surrey as well as Hampshire. Of the two Heckfield is the
largest and its homes and farms are scattered over a wide area but
despite its rural charm it has kept pace with modern times with
international companies having conference centres here. The parish is
bordered by the River Loddon to the west and the Whitewater stream to
the east, and also encloses many areas of excellent scenery.
For many years the village has hosted a monthly market and the church
of St Michael's is nearby and up until 1863 it was the parish church
for both of the villages, Nearby is Highfield House where Neville Chamberlain died and a memorial tablet to him can be found inside the church.
Here at the north end of the village can be found the main entrance to Stratfield Saye House the home of the Dukes of Wellington and there are several local farms belonging to the duke along with his country park and lake. Heckfield seems to have its own road system allowing the village to be almost traffic free except for its own people. South east of the London Lodges can be found the monument erected in 1866 in memory of the Duke of Wellington. Heckfield Place is a rather grand and imposing Georgian manor which has well laid out grounds full of rhododendrons and azaleas which are a beautiful site in the springtime. Mattingley is smaller and also scattered but there are many old cottages and houses that have been lovingly restored to be seen here, Bannister's Farm for one is Tudor and is one of the oldest, Hound Green and Mattingley Green are the two commons and the Hart and Whitewater Rivers flow through the parish. The church is unusual and was converted from a barn to a Chapel of Ease 600 years ago and is a popular venue for the many visitors that visit here. IMAGES OF
MATTINGLEY
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