HARTING FESTIVITIES

THE VILLAGE by M.V.Rowan, M,Sc; B,Sc(Hons) Dip Arch; Dip ICCROM  May 1981

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THE PARISH SETTING Few villages in southern England rival South Harting for its unspoilt beauty. The village is the main settlement of Harting Parish which encompasses West Harting, East Harting and Nyewood to the north. South Harting lies midway between Midhurst and Petersfield just north of the Downs and is bordered on the north by the river Rother with stately Uppark, a National Trust property, crowning its southern slopes. Harting is a marvellous point for the discerning visitor to venture out and explore the vernacular architecture, the unspoilt walks and the undulating heights of the South Downs Way. Tucked away among the sheltered hills, Harting's solidly-built timber framed cottages are scattered along narrow lanes, once farm tracks, often still no wider. HARTING HIGH STREET The parish church of St. Mary and St. Gabriel, with the village stocks and a whipping post at its entrance, was rebuilt after a fire in 1576. The Elizabethan timber roof was built on the aisle walls which were doubled in height. Here lies Sir Edward Ford, the gallant loyalist defender of Arundel Castle who was defeated by Waller's men in 1644. Anthony Trollope (1815-81), the author of the Barchester novels, is buried in the churchyard and his pen, paperknife and letter scales are on view in the church. To the south are the mansion and wooded grounds of Uppark with views across Spithead to the Isle of Wight: Uppark remains essentially unchanged since Sir Matthew Featherstonhaugh furnished it in 1750. The young Emma Hamilton lived at Uppark and the Prince Regent was a frequent visitor. Fine furniture, Grand Tour pictures, marble chimney pieces and a unique Queen Anne dolls house are on view to the public.