Upper Itchen Benefice

Tichborne

Tichborne is an ancient village which straddles the River Itchen as it passes on its way from Cheriton to Winchester. Before the Norman Conquest it also embraced land which now constitutes the parishes of Cheriton and Beauworth. The Bishops of Winchester were granted these lands by Saxon kings in the 10th century. They established what came to be known as the Manor of Cheriton based at Sevington Manor, Tichborne. Out of this Saxon estate they granted sub-manors, including that of Tichborne. Out of land which they retained St Michael and All Angels, Cheriton came to be erected in the 12th century.

St Andrew’s, Tichborne, a Grade I listed building, was founded in the mid 11th Century. It is likely that it was the parish church for the larger parish just described. After St Michael and All Angels Cheriton was built; it probably became a chapel of ease. The Tichborne family, who had held their estate since at least 1135, came to be closely associated with St Andrew’s, and carried out significant additions to it in the early 14th Century. In 1621 King James I permitted Sir Benjamin Tichborne the privilege of retaining the Chantry chapel in recognition of his help in securing Hampshire at his accession in 1603. It thus remains consecrated to the Roman Catholic Communion. It is still used for a special mass by The Tichborne Family and now represents a significant ecumenical opportunity. There are now two services a year when Anglican and Roman Catholic congregations meet for worship. The Tichborne family also have their own (RC) chapel, St Margaret’s, in Tichborne Park.

Services and Worship

Each month, two traditional (BCP) services are held at St Andrew’s. Attendance varies between 12 and 22. Many more attend Harvest Festival, Christmas and Easter services. There are now two services a year when Anglican and Roman Catholic congregations meet for worship.