Breamore Parish CouncilThe Village
Breamore is a largely unspoilt village located in the valley of the River Avon, just south of the Wiltshire border. Unlike many other villages, Breamore has managed to avoid modern suburban-style developments, and much of it is now protected by Conservation Area status.
Features
Geographical Features
- Low-Lying Meadows and Arable Land: Breamore Parish includes extensive areas of fertile, arable land along with low-lying meadows.
- Woodland and Chalk Downland: These natural features contribute to the scenic and rural character of the area.
Village Layout
- Scattered Housing: The village’s housing is spread out along the main Salisbury/Bournemouth road, around the Mill, the edge of the Marsh, Upper Street, and the hamlet of Outwick.
- Outlying Farms and Dwellings: There are numerous farms and individual dwellings scattered throughout the parish.
Population
- Electoral Roll: Approximately 290 names are listed on the electoral roll.
- Demographic Changes: The decline in local agricultural employment over the past few decades has led to changes in the occupation and ownership of many dwellings. The village now hosts more commuters and retired individuals.
Modernization and Development
- Building Improvements: With the shift in population, there is a growing desire among residents to modernize and improve older buildings, adding extensions and garages to suit contemporary needs.
- Pressure for Development: The pressure on the village stems from residents seeking to enjoy Breamore’s unique rural charm while having access to modern amenities typical of urban areas.
Development in the Village
Development in Breamore is and will continue to be severely restricted to preserve its character and environment. Only a limited number of affordable houses, aimed at meeting social and economic needs, will be considered for the few available sites. This cautious approach ensures that the village remains largely untouched by over-development, maintaining its historical and rural integrity.
History
Neolithic and Bronze Ages
- Early human habitation is evident on the chalk downlands beyond Breamore Wood.
- Notable sites include the “Giant’s Grave” long barrow and several round barrows.
- Grims Ditch, marking the northeastern boundary, is part of the extensive Bronze Age ditch system.
Iron Age and Roman Period
- Farms and hamlets established by the Iron Age, with at least five sites identified through archaeological surveys.
- These settlements continued to be used into the Roman period.
Battle of Cerdic’s Ford (519 AD)
This battle took place at Charford in the north of the parish, leading to the establishment of the kingdom of Wessex.
Saxon Period
- The settlement of ‘Brumore’, precursor to modern Breamore, likely originated around the mid-Saxon period in the area of North Street and the church.
- St. Mary’s Church was constructed around the end of the 10th century.
Doomsday Survey (1086)
The survey provides the earliest documentary evidence of Saxon life in Breamore:
- The King holds Brumore, part of the manor of Rockbourne, previously held by King Edward.
- Descriptions include 1 plough land in demesne, 4 villeins, 8 borderers with 4 plough lands, 82 acres of meadow, and wood for 50 hogs.
Medieval Period
- By the time of the Doomsday Survey, the village had about twelve dwellings along present-day Upper Street.
- By 1300, the village expanded to around fifty dwellings, with new groups of houses around the Marsh and the Mill.
- The Priory was founded around 1130, acquiring about half of the village houses and land over two centuries.
- The Earls of Devon retained the other half, building a manor house near the church.
Post-Dissolution (1536)
- The Priory was dissolved on July 5, 1536, and its properties were granted to new owners.
- William Dodington acquired the village by 1580 and built the current manor house.
Tudor Rebuild and Beyond
- The late 16th century saw the “Tudor rebuild,” replacing many medieval cottages with more sanitary and substantial structures.
- Sir Edward Hulse purchased the estate in 1748, and his family has retained ownership since.
Modern Changes (1748-Present)
Over the past 250 years, village life has evolved significantly:
- The 17th-century system of irrigating the “water meadows” fell out of use within the past forty years.
- The Downs no longer host large flocks of sheep.
- Victorian times saw the construction of additional estate workers’ cottages.
- The population shifted from being primarily farmers, smallholders, and estate workers to a more diverse demographic.
- Technological advancements, such as the advent of the motorcar, have drastically changed daily life.
Despite these changes, Breamore has retained much of its historical atmosphere. Visitors can still visualise the village’s past and recognise the developments that have shaped the community today.