Boarhunt

BOARHUNT, a parish, in the union of Fareham, hundred of Portsdown, Fareham and S. divisions of the county of Southampton, 2 miles (N. E.) from Fareham; containing 232 inhabitants. It comprises about 8000 acres of land; the surface is marked by gentle undulations, and the soil consists of chalk, sand, and clay. From the top of Portsdown hill, which skirts the parish, is one of the finest views in England. Beneath is the harbour of Portsmouth, studded with shipping; in the distance is the famous anchorage of Spithead, while the hills of the Isle of Wight close the landscape to the sea: on the other side is a richly wooded country, chiefly planted with oak, and forming a far-extended valley which terminates at the foot of a range of hills. Portsdown fair is of fashionable resort. The living is a donative, annexed to that of Southwick: the tithes have been commuted for £47. 2. The church is in the early English style; it was formerly the chapel of a Cistercian monastery, of which there are still traces. Five chantries were founded here by William of Wykeham. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans. On that part of Portsdown within the parish, a monument has been erected in memory of Lord Nelson, which also serves as a beacon. Several Roman urns have been found in the park of Mr. Thistlethwayte.