Hedge End, West End and Botley

 

Hedge End has been at the centre of this rapidly expanding area with easy access to the M27. However, the original settlement is believed to get its name from a farm at the end of a hedge on a road from Botley.  Like much of the Borough, Hedge End was a rural farming area dating from the 13th Century.  In the late 19th Century it became known as the 'Strawberry Village' with a substantial market garden and strawberry growing areas.  Today it is a modern town with office parks, out of town superstores and residential areas, on the main transport route of the M27.

 

West End is still known as 'the village' to local residents and has always been known for agriculture and market gardening as well its paper mill on the River Itchen.  Now known as Gaters Mill, in 1686 it belonged to the Company of White Papermakers.  Wooded hills and views across the Itchen have drawn many people to West End.  Hatch Grange, once part of the grounds of a large house, is now a public park enjoyed by the local residents.  West End has the lovely Itchen Valley Country Park on its door step.  

 

It can also claim to be a centre of sporting excellence as it is the new home of Hampshire County Cricket Club and the Hampshire Tennis and Health club.

 

Botley is an historic village which obtained its charter from Henry III for a market in 1267, although there has been a settlement here since at least the 10th century.  Between 1806 and 1820 it was the home of the famous journalist and radical politician William Cobbett who described the village as the most delightful in the world.  There is a memorial stone to William Cobbett in the village square.  Flour mills have existed in Botley for over a 1,000 years and the old Botley Mill is at the end of the High Street.  The fine Market Hall built in 1848 and old coaching inns can be found in the High Street together with many interesting houses.

 

 

 

 

 

This new lake will provide a focal point for visitors to the new 16 acre parkland being developed at Dowd's Farm

 

With drainage works complete the lake is slowly filling and taking shape.