Hillhampton is a small rural hamlet in the county
of Worcestershire, England. It's about 8 miles from the county town
of Worcester in a north easterly direction. Its located in between
the two villages of Great Witley and Little Witley and lies under
the lee of Abberley Hill (283 meters above sea level) and Woodbury
Hill (276 meters). Our village lies at around 80 to 100 meters above
sea level, depending upon where you are. At the north east side
of our boundary lie the villages of Shrawley and Astley, beyond
which is our closest town of Stourport on Severn. A small canal
town about 6 miles away. In a matter of precision we are located
at a latitude of 52deg.22' north and a longitude of 2 deg 20' West. |
In 1980 we had a population of 78 bodies in all,
as a point of interest the population in 1801 was 142 bodies. We
are unaware of a count later than 1980 but would suspect the count
to be higher due to the conversion of agricultural buildings into
dwellings. Our community has changed from a mainly agricultural
community to a mainly commuter community. |
For those with an interest in geology our hamlet
lies in an area dominated by Triassic red sandstone and Keuper Marl,
which provides a soil which is well drained, neither too heavy or
too light and is well suited to arable cultivation. We have a very
big produce grower (Nigel Drew & Co) and a couple of fruit farms
who reap the benefit of the soils qualities. There are many keen
gardeners amongst the community who do so also. |
The history of the manor of Hillhampton is intrinsically
connected with that of our closest village of Great Witley and is
often difficult to separate. The two are often classed as one village
(but not by those who live here). Witley is thought to be a modern
day spelling of the old English words of Whit (a curve or bend in
a stream or brook) and Leah (a clearing in a wood or forest). At
one time Shrawley Brook, which arises from springs on Woodbury Hill,
meandered through our parishes, this was probably the origin of
the name. Mention of the Hamlet of Hillhampton can be found as far
back as the 13th century with various mentions throughout the years.
There is a title "The Lord of Hillhampton" which is currently
owned by the Earl of Dudley (he attempted to sell the title in 2001
but it didn't reach his reserve price!). |
Probably the oldest building in our hamlet is Hillhampton
House, (see the picture in the up & coming picture gallery)
it is an E shaped two story building with attic and dates from the
17th century. A wing containing domestic offices was added during
the 19th century. As with any building of this age it has been modified
of the years with several extensions/conversions, but still has
its original Jacobean ceiling in some rooms and mullion windows
in the south facing wall. The house was used for prisoners of war
during the first world war and remained unoccupied for many years
afterwards. It was then used as a school of domestic science during
the second world war. It is now in private ownership. |
The most historic/famous properties in the area
is Witley court. this was a grand old country house first built
around 1600. It was added to & modified though the years as
with Hillhampton House but in 1937 a large fire destroyed a substantial
part of the house and it fell into ruin. It is now owned by English
Heritage and is run as a tourist attraction. Attached to Witley
Court is our other claim to fame Witley church a baroque church
with one of the most ornate interiors of any church in the UK. |
