Stockbridge Town Hall
by Terri Waters
Title
Stockbridge Town Hall
Artist
Terri Waters
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The handsome Town Hall in Stockbridge Hampshire was built in 1790 and lies in the heart of Stockbridge.
The position of Stockbridge is a key both to its history and to its present day significance. It lies at the meeting point of road systems running east-west and north-south and at a major crossing of the River Test. Today it is on two main roads - the A30 and the A3057 and is at the end of the B3049 (once the A272) linking it to Winchester. This strategic situation was recognised many centuries ago when, it is thought, the Romans built a chalk causeway across the marshy valley floor. Even today most of Stockbridge lies on that causeway. So Stockbridge has always been in an ideal position to attract the passing trade and to act as a resource for the surrounding communities. It was probably in the Middle Ages that the wide main street was laid down, with ample space for markets, a fortunate provision that still benefits the town and its traders.
The Middle Ages also gave rise to a tradition of long-standing, the Courts Leet and Baron.
These courts, which are held under the Lord of the Manor, date back to the 12thCentury and had their origin in the feudal system of administration of justice and land use. Today the court is held each March in the Town Hall and is an enjoyable community meeting at which parish affairs are reviewed and decisions are made about grazing on the Common Marsh and Stockbridge Down.
Uploaded
August 15th, 2013
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