Hilton, Dorset
| Hilton | |
| Dorset | |
|---|---|
.JPG) Hilton | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | ST782030 |
| Location: | 50°49’34"N, 2°18’38"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 477 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Dorset |
Hilton is a village in Dorset, in a small valley which drains chalk hills in the eastern part of the Dorset Downs, about eight miles west of Blandford Forum. The summit of Bulbarrow Hill (900 feet) is a mile and a half north of the village. The 2011 census recorded a parish population (including Ansty to the west) of 477, in 231 dwellings.
Hilton used to form a part of the estate of the nearby Milton Abbey when it was owned by the Hambro family; the Hambros, who often used to entertain Edward VII, planted woods on the surrounding hills, to provide cover for pheasants.[1] However the woods surrounding Hilton today are mostly post-war plantations of beech and ash as the hills were cleared during the Second World. Large areas are privately owned, although there are open access areas owned and managed by the Forestry Commission.
The church of All Saints is a typical Dorset country church and is mainly in the late Gothic style. In the north aisle a fine range of windows from the cloisters of Milton Abbey have been reused. The fan vault in the porch probably comes from the same source. Also from the abbey are a set of 12 panels with paintings of the Apostles: these are of high quality and early 16th century in date.[2]
In 1870-72, John Marius Wilson's Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales described Hilton:
- HILTON, a parish in Blandford district, Dorset; under Bulbarrow camp, 7½ miles WSW of Blandford town and r. station. It contains the hamlets of Aller, Anstey, and Hartsfoot-Lane; and its post town is Milton-Abbas, under Blandford. Acres, 2, 974. Real property, £3, 945. Pop., 833. Houses, 162. The property is divided among a few. Orchards and gardens occupy considerable space. Slate, coal, and bog iron abound; and some gold has been found. There are many mineral springs. Druidical remains, Roman urns and coins, early English coins, and other ancient relics have been found. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Salisbury. Value, £.273.* Patron, the Bishop of Salisbury. The church is tolerable, and has a tower.[3]
Outside links
References
- ↑ Wightman, Ralph (1983). Portrait of Dorset (4 ed.). Robert Hale Ltd. pp. 110–111. ISBN 0-7090-0844-9.
- ↑ Betjeman, John, ed. (1968) Collins Pocket Guide to English Parish Churches; the South. London: Collins; p. 174
- ↑ http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/index.jsp
