Hamstead Marshall

South of the Kennet and West of Newbury in pleasant riverside country is Hamstead Marshall.
An historic place, it takes its name from the Norman Earls Marshall who owned the manor and possibly built the long-vanished castle, its Castle Mounds still standing above the river. Beside the river, in attractive country, are the mill dating from the early 19th century, bridges, lock and weir.

At the top of the road that climbs up from the mill is the church, a large Norman and 14th century building with an 18th century brick tower, all well restored in 1929 by Sir Charles Nicholson. The delightful interior retains the l7th century font cover, two decker pulpit with tester, box pews and gallery. In the church is the family vault of the Cravens who lived at the Manor House. The earliest house, built in Tudor times, was bought by Sir William Craven and rebuilt in 1660 to elaborate designs, by Sir Balthasar Gerbier. In 1718 this grand mansion was burnt down and only a few 18th century pillars remain at entrances to the beautifully landscaped park.