Recently I was at the public consultation for review of the proposed new development at Velmore Farm. While looking at the maps, I noticed that the site of a Roman road runs through the new development. So, when I was sending in my views on the new development (please ensure no flooding / make provision for GPs and dentists / how can the roads cope with the extra traffic?), I also asked if this historic road could somehow be conserved. There may not be much to be seen now, but I felt it was important it was at least signposted and not built upon.
So what was this road? Where did it go?
The Roman road that ran through what is now Chandler’s Ford went to Nursling (and beyond, into the New Forest) from Winchester. Nursling, or Onna, was a logical bridging point for the river Test as below that it widens into the estuary. As well as a mill, the Romans built a bridge (probably wooden as no traces of stone are to be seen) here to carry their road to Stoney Cross in the New Forest (and quite possibly to Ringwood or further west) from Winchester. By the seventh century there was a Benedictine monastery that was to become a major seat of learning at Onna, or Nhutscelle as it became known.
Winchester was the meeting point for five Roman roads. As well as the one from Nursling, they came from Sarum (Salisbury), Marlborough (and beyond that from Cirencester), Calleva (Silchester, north of Basingstoke) and Chichester.
Let’s look at how our road made its way through our area. Those who know the old main road from Winchester through Otterbourne will not be surprised that this very straight road is the old Roman route. Having left the centre of Winchester at the far end of Southgate Street, the road goes through St Cross and Compton to Otterbourne. Somewhere around here (probably in the grounds of Otterbourne House) the road splits with one arm going towards Clausentum (Bitterne) – but we will stay with the Nursling road.
It continues up Otterbourne Hill to Chandler’s Ford, passing under the carpark of the Nuffield Hospital and down Winchester Road. It passes though the Leech Pond (the grassed area in front of the well-named Roman Close) and on down to the roundabout at the bottom of Hursley Road. Its route takes it over the present-day railway bridge, under Selwoods and across what is now the industrial estate (previously this area was a vast brickfield when all traces of anything Roman would have vanished).
It re-emerges at Eagle Close and can be seen from there to Castle Lane. It then gets lost again under housing but we find it again south of Templars Way as it crosses the area of Velmore Farm (soon to be developed) and in to Hut Wood. From there it went through Chilworth, across what is now the M27 and though the north-west reaches of Southampton to arrive at Nursling.
If we look carefully, we may be able to detect some signs of this historic road. It may be a raised bank or some pebbles used for the road surface. Or … might you just hear the tramp of a Roman army on the march?
Thank you, Christine. How fascinating about the history behind this. Thank you Chippy for the photographs.
Somewhere near the Chilworth Arms, the road would have crossed a east-west road, possibly running from Salisbury to Chichester – the original A27. Part of that road still remains – it’s the photo, above – and runs from behind the Chilworth Arms to the top of Bassett Avenue. At the Bassett end it is called “Roman Road”. A bit muddy at this time of year, but a fun and challenging cycle route.
I was walking in the Eagle Close / Castle Lane area earlier today. If I’d read this post earlier I’d have looked for evidence of the Roman road.
Somewhere near the Chilworth Arms, this road would have crossed one running east-west – possibly from Salisbury to Chichester (the original A27). A short section of that road still exists, running from behind the Chilworth Arms to the top of Bassett Avenue (near the petrol station). It’s the photo, above. At the Bassett end this road is called “Roman Road”. It’s a bit wet and muddy at the moment, but still a fun and challenging cycle route.