English Heritage sites near Exton Parish
BISHOP'S WALTHAM PALACE
4 miles from Exton Parish
The ruins of a medieval palace (together with later additions) used by the Bishops and senior clergy of Winchester as they travelled through their diocese.
WOLVESEY CASTLE (OLD BISHOP'S PALACE)
8 miles from Exton Parish
Wolvesey has been an important residence of the wealthy and powerful Bishops of Winchester since Anglo-Saxon times.
SOUTHWICK PRIORY
9 miles from Exton Parish
Remains of a wealthy Augustinian priory, originally founded at Portchester: once a famous place of pilgrimage. Only part of the refectory wall survives.
THE GRANGE AT NORTHINGTON
9 miles from Exton Parish
Set like a lakeside temple in a landscaped park, The Grange at Northington is the foremost example of the Greek Revival style in England.
TITCHFIELD ABBEY
10 miles from Exton Parish
The ruins of a 13th century Premonstratensian abbey, later converted into a Tudor mansion. The church was rebuilt as a grand turreted gatehouse.
FLOWERDOWN BARROWS
11 miles from Exton Parish
Three Bronze Age burial mounds, once part of a much larger 'barrow cemetery', including two bowl barrows, and the largest and finest disc barrow in Hampshire.
Churches in Exton Parish
St Peter & St Paul
Church Lane
Exton
01489 877422
http://www.bridgechurches.org.uk
St Peter and St Paul, Exton is a 13th Century, Grade II Listed church situated on the site of an earlier church dating back to 940 AD, but much restored during the 19th Century. It lies at the heart of this nuclear village of 50 houses, but the parish also includes a further 28 houses at Preshaw some two miles distant and a dozen outlying houses.
The South Downs Way National Trail goes through the village, straight past the church. The churchyard is quite extensive and very well maintained by a parishioner and the surrounding walls are in good order.
The Church BuildingThe wonderful stained glass window and Tree of Life at the east end of the church dating from 1900 has been described as the “most exuberant example” of the work of Charles Spooner, an architect of the Arts and Crafts Movement. A set of kneelers in front of the communion rail depicting the four churches of the Meon Bridge Benefce has been embroidered by skilled members of the congregation. The church has a weeping chancel which unusually veers to the right. It can seat 125.
The South Downs Way brings many visitors to the church. The church provides opportunity for quiet reflection and prayer. In summer refreshments are placed in the porch for walkers and cyclists and the parish joins in the Ride and Stride Day organised by the Hampshire and Island Historic Churches Trust.
The church has running water and a loud speaker system. The congregation at the 10.30 am monthly service for the whole benefice enjoys staying for coffee and chat after the service.
Pubs in Exton Parish
Shoe
Shoe Lane, Exton, SO32 3NT
(01489) 877526
theshoeexton.co.uk