HAMPSHIRE

                                                                         5 miles north of Andover

One of the steepest and straightest hills in England is just to the south of Hurstbourne Tarrant. In less than 1 mile, Hurstbourne Hill rises to a height of 555 ft. Although it poses no major problem to modern motorists, it was a definite burden to the 19th-century stage-coaches. In those days the Oxford to Salisbury stage changed horses in the village before tackling the hill. Market wagons could not do this and a wellknown farmer, Joseph Blount, kept a heavy horse which helped the wagons to the top.

Mr Blount lived at Rookery Farm House, at the foot of the hill, and the front-garden wall is known locally as ‘The Wayfarers’ Table’. This was because, in the 1820s and 1830s, Mr Blount left plates of bread and bacon on top of the wall for hungry travellers. William Cobbett - the journalist, politician and farmer - often visited him when gathering material for his Rural Rides. Cobbett’s initials and the date 1825 are inscribed on a brick in the garden wall.

Hurstbourne Tarrant lies in a deep valley. Its only inn, the George and Dragon, was one of five which flourished in the stage-coach days.

The Norman Church of St Peter has two faded, medieval murals - the larger one showing three kings hunting in a forest and encountering three skeletons. The church’s striking tower and spire date from restoration work in 1897.

Hurstbourne Tarrant has become a place of pilgrimage for artists and art-lovers. Bladon Gallery, formerly a Nonconformist chapel, stages some major art exhibitions during the year. It was opened 30 years ago by Augustus John, who helped found the gallery.

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