Trifter

The church of St. Mary’s, in the Hampshire village of Selborne, has its beginnings as far back as the 11th century.  The land, on which the church stands, is widely acknowledged to be linked to the Saxon king, Edward the Confessor, and that it was his wife, Edith, who actually gave the land as a gift so that a church could be built.  In fact, the Domesday Book of 1086 records that there was a church on the site in that year, and that the name of the resident priest was Radfred.

The church building seen today is the result of rebuilding around the year 1180, suggesting that there may have been a temporary structure, perhaps of wood, previously on the site.

One of St. Mary’s most appealing and historical artefacts is its door.  Built of thick, solid oak, it is was made in the 13th century and unlike many village churches in England, it is the original.  Across its ancient surface is a design of elaborate metal scrollwork, no doubt locally produced by a medieval blacksmith.

Protecting the old oak door from the elements is the porch that was erected in the 16th or 17th century, from the roof of which hangs a metal and glass lanterncommemorating the naturalist Gilbert White, the famous ‘son’ of Selborne.  The glass panels are etched with many exquisite examples of British wildlife.

For much of his life, Gilbert White, grandson of the one-time vicar of St. Mary’s, studied the wildlife of the area.  He was often to be seen wandering through the woods of Selborne Hanger, a high hill overlooking the village.  In 1789, his book entitled ‘The Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne’ was published, and so popular has the book become that it has run through more editions in English than any other book, with the exception of the Bible.

The home of Gilbert Whitecalled ‘The Wakes’, alongside the main road through Selborne village, is now a museum that also contains an exhibition commemorating the explorer, Captain Lawrence Oates who accompanied Scott to the South Pole in 1911.