Monument record MDO8690 - Somerford Grange, Somerford, Christchurch

Somerford Grange was formerly a farm belonging to Christchurch Priory. In 1086, the manor of Somerford was either part of the King's manor or part of Christchurch Priory estate. By 1316 the manor belonged to the Priory. Somerford Grange was once a farmhouse to the Priory, with fishponds and fatting-stews. The manor of Somerford was bought by Gustav Brander in 1781, who pulled down the old buildings and built a new house on the site. This house was demolished in the early 1950s.

The site of Somerford Grange and Somerford Farm is marked on an estate map dated 1796. <1> Somerford Grange, once the farmhouse to the Priory. At this place there are indications of fishponds and fatting-stews. <2> (SZ 18469342) The manor of Somerford was, in 1086, included either in the King's manor or in the priory estate. The manor belonged to the Priory in 1316. The manor, after the Dissolution, remained in the King's hands until 1553, when Edward VI granted it to Sir Henry Seymour. From 1610 it followed the descent of the prior and convents manor of Christchurch Twyneham. The farmhouse or 'side of the manor' of Somerford in 1781 was acquired by Gustav Brander who pulled down the old house and built a new one on its site. <3> The house shown on OS 6" as Somerford Grange has recently been demolished and the comparatively modern farm buildings and cottages to the south are all derelict. Nothing was seen of any building earlier than the 18th cent. The fish pond shown is water filled but weed choked and overgrown; it was probably connected with the Md grange. The remainder of the surrounding area is an aerodrome. <4> No change; published 1/1250 correct. <5>

Record last edited

Nov 8 2023 4:18PM