Minstead

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Minstead is a small one-shop village in the New Forest, Hampshire, about 2 miles north of Lyndhurst. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's grave is under a large tree at the back of the 13th century village 'All Saints' church which boasts of two galleries and three pulpits on top of each other. The church also boasts an unusual "luxury" pew, complete with its own fireplace. A leaflet about Sir Arthurs Conan Doyle's grave is available in the church entrance. According to this leaflet, Sir Arthur was originally buried in a vertical position in Crowborough and re-interred in Minstead by the family of his deceased first wife after the death of the second Lady Conan Doyle. Minstead figured prominently in Conan Doyle's historical novel The White Company. Alleyne Edricson, the main character is the second son of the late Franklin of Minstead and brother of the Simon, Socman of Minstead.

Furzey Gardens contain 8 acres of landscaped gardens containing many interesting and rare plants. There is also a gallery, open to the public from March to October, as well sa a tree house and play area for children.

There are remains of an Iron Age Fort, known as Malwood Castle.

The village pub is called The Trusty Servant and has an unusual sign of a man with a donkeys head. This implies some past link with Winchester College, where the "Trusty Sweater" is an old tradition, as well as the name of the magazine sent to Old Wykehamists.

The village is near the Rufus Stone Memorial, which commemorates the site where King William Rufus was slain by a huntsmans arrow.

[edit] Minstead Hall

Minstead Hall was originally called the Hut and comprised two munition huts left over from the 1st World War and originally sited in Romsey. The Hall was given to the village of Minstead in 1920 by David Hanbury. However when he died in 1948 his will did not state that fact. The village therefore had to purchase it from his estate. Lady Congleton loaned the village the money and after much fund raising the loan was finally repaid in 1963. The Social Club, which uses a separate part of the building, was formed in that period.

The Hall is run by a Management Committee and is a registered charity (No. 301892). An AGM is held in May every year.

The Hall is the largest of its kind in the New Forest and is used for auctions, dances, theatrical productions, an annual Flower Show, a bridge club, pre-school play group and many other events organised both from inside and outside the village.

Minstead Hall

One of the main users of the hall is Junior Minstead a children's club. Each year they put on a pantomime which is locally famous. Those who took part are currently sharing their memories on a wiki.