Nestled deep within the Hampshire countryside lies a seemingly plain church that most people wouldn’t look twice at.
Yet, St Leonard’s Church, is steeped in history, dating back to the 12th century, making it approximately 900 years old.
Standing alone without any neighbouring houses, shops, or notable buildings, the most unique feature of this historic church is its isolated position.
Little known to anyone other than locals, the site of the church actually marks the location of the ancient village of Hartley Mauditt, which is officially recorded as a “deserted medieval village” on Ordnance Survey maps.
Situated right in the heart of rural Hampshire, halfway between Alton and Bordon, Hartley Mauditt’s past is chronicled on hampshire-history.com.
It was mentioned in the Domesday Book when William Mauditt received the manor from William I.
The village was considered to be of medium size with a total of 13 households, including eight villagers and five smallholders, calling it home.
Previously it boasted ploughlands, plough teams, six acres of meadow, and 30 swine render.
There was a manor house near the church, which passed through the hands of several prominent English families whose descendants even became kings.
After the Mauditts came the de Beauchamps and the de Chaworths, from whom Henry IV was descended, reports Hampshire Live.
In 1603, it came to be owned by the Stuart family and, according to Hampshire History, was defended during the Civil War by lord of the manor, Nicholas Stuart, against Roundheads, who came to destroy it after fighting in nearby Alton.
The Hampshire History site said: “Whether this is true or not, after the Restoration of Charles II as monarch, Nicholas Stuart received his lands back and became the first Baronet of Hartley Mauditt.
“This suggests that the story is true and for his loyalty the King restored his land to him. He returned and rebuilt the house.”
After several generations, the Stowell family inherited the house. It’s rumoured that Lord Stowell had it demolished to prevent his wife from residing there, as he favoured urban life while she was fond of the countryside and Hartley Mauditt.
Hampshire History said: “Whatever the truth, its staircase found its way to Alton council offices, floor tiles turned up in the floors at Colmore Rectory and it is thought that the round tower, attached to a nearby cottage was also once part of this old building.
“Apparently remnants of its cellars remain, wooded over and stories of a passage way, linking the house to Selborne Priory.”
Local folklore is rife with tales of hauntings, according to Hampshire History.
“The lady of the house, coach and horses have been seen many times, passing close to the church, as well as sounds of music from the often empty church, adding to the other worldliness of this place.”
