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St James' Church, Alderholt
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Welcome to the Dorset Village of Alderholt 'Alderholt was the most eastern district of the Parish of Cranborne, the largest in England. It is bounded by Hampshire, running north-east to the stream called Ashford Water, where just opposite Alderholt Mill, Wiltshire joined Hampshire. The village saying was that a man standing in the stream in one county could lay hands on the other two. The first Squire Churchill, who owned property in all three, used to tell how he flushed a duck in Dorset, shot it in Hampshire and picked it up in Wiltshire. This junction of counties made the locality a favorite ground for illegal prize fights, as on the appearance of the police it was easy for the law breakers to escape into another county. It is now only a tale that is told, this part of Wiltshire having been amalgamated with Hampshire and Alderholt does not touch it anywhere.' This extract was taken from 'Records of Alderholt' originally written
in the 1920's by Lady Smith-Gordon, Fred Hibberd and neighbours
and more recently updated by Fred's son, Donald Hibberd. Alderholt is located on the edge of the County just three miles from Fordingbridge on the edge of the New Forest. It boasts many beautiful pieces of scenery, woodlands, heathlands and commons. A variety of footpaths and bridleways provide access to all. Despite continued urbanisation Alderholt remains a close rural community and maintains a 'village' feel.
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