| Harpsden | |
|---|---|
 Parish Church of Saint Margaret | |
  Harpsden Location withinOxfordshire | |
| Area | 8.77 km2 (3.39 sq mi) |
| Population | 560 (2001 census)[1] |
| • Density | 64/km2 (170/sq mi) |
| OS grid reference | SU7680 |
| • London | 34 miles (55 km) |
| Civil parish |
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| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Henley-on-Thames |
| Postcode district | RG9 |
| Dialling code | 01491 |
| Police | Thames Valley |
| Fire | Oxfordshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| UK Parliament | |
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Harpsden is a rural and semi-rural village andcivil parish immediately south ofHenley-on-Thames inSouth Oxfordshire,Oxfordshire, England. Itsscattered centre is set 0.5 miles (0.80 km) from the east border which is theRiver Thames, marking a short boundary withBerkshire. The parish extends 5 miles (8.0 km) inland and bordersRotherfield Peppard to the west, that is, next to its main sections of woodland in the southern extreme of theChiltern Hills including anSSSI area of ancient woodland. The village has neither a railway station nor shops, but has the main road fromReading to Henley, both of which have grown substantially sinceWorld War II into centres of trade, education and general meeting places, such as by their increased number of cafés and restaurants.
Remains of aRoman villa have been found about 0.5 miles (800 m) southwest of the village.[2] In the 11th century during the reign of KingEdward the Confessor themanor of Harpsden belonged toWigod, thethegn ofWallingford. After theNorman conquest of England, Harpsden became part of theHonour of Wallingford.[3] TheChurch of England parish church of Saint Margaret[4] was originally lateNorman, as evidenced by thepiscina,font and a blocked doorway that survive from this period.[5] The current windows in thenave andchancel were inserted in the 14th century, and a stone effigy of a knight dates from the same period. In 1848–54 theGothic Revival architectBenjamin Ferrey lengthened the nave and added the northaisle andtower. In 1879 the architectHenry Woodyer restored the chancel.[5]
Other notable buildings in the village include theGrade II* listed Harpsden Court: the current house largely dates back to the 17th century, and incorporates elements of the medieval manor house. It was the home of the Hall family until 1855.[6] Aweatherboarded barn near the church bears the date 1689.[5] Bellehatch Park, about 0.75 miles (1.2 km) southwest of the village, was built early in the 19th century. It is aGeorgianneoclassicalcountry house of fivebays with aDoric porch andsummerhouse.[2] It was the seat of theLiberal politicianCecil Norton, who was created firstBaron Rathcreedan in 1916.
Harpsden Wood is an ancient woodland dating from at least 1600. It is aSite of Special Scientific Interest covering 73 acres (30 ha).[7] HenleyGolf Club is in Harpsden.[8] HarpsdenCricket Club was founded in 1887 and thus celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012.[9]
Harpsden was used as a location in theAgatha Christie's Marple episodes "Nemesis" and "By the Pricking of My Thumbs".[10] Harpsden Court has also been used as the set for many films, includingQuantum of Solace.[11]
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Media related toHarpsden at Wikimedia Commons
