St Hubert

St Hubert’s is a beautiful Grade I Listed, Saxon-Norman church which sits in the middle of a field in the attractive Idsworth Valley, within the South Downs
National Park. The history of the present building goes back to at least 1053 when, in the last testament of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and as part of the Manor
of Chalton, it was granted to his son, Harold Godwinson (later King Harold).

The church is renowned for its simplicity and its special atmosphere of peace and tranquility. It has medieval wall paintings which have been dated to the 1330s and which are considered to be the most important series in a Hampshire church outside Winchester. It also has a very fine fresco, painted in medieval
style by Fleur Kelly, which was commissioned to celebrate the recent millennium.

Particularly noteable is the way in which the history of the church over the centuries is reflected in its current features. When changes have been made,
they have not been at the expense of the past and, as you walk round the church, the architecture and the furnishings will take you on a 1,000 year
journey. 

The 11th century nave has a small Norman window and a blocked Norman doorway and there is an incised medieval sundial on the exterior. The chancel was added in the 12th or 13th century; the nave was widened on the south side in the early 16th century and first evidence of the porch was in the 1860s. The vestry and the organ gallery were added in 1912-1913 during a major restoration under the direction of the Architect H S Goodhart-Rendel.

Other notable features are a 14th century octagonal font, a 17th century pulpit and 18th century canopy and 18th century box pews. On the walls, there is a list of the Rectors of Chalton and Idsworth going back to 1305 and a record of a meeting which was held in March 1795 to agree seating arrangements within the church.

St Hubert’s is beautiful, fascinating, peaceful and well worth a visit. We look forward to seeing you and to reading your comments in the visitors’ book!