History of Merchistoun Hall

Merchistoun Hall has a long and vibrant history. Our story begins in the 1660s when a yeoman called Richard Quallett died leaving in his Will a substantial farmhouse and holdings   The farm was known as Terrills, and is still there, behind us in a cul-de-sac off of Murray road.  
From 1669, now in the hands of the Franklin Family, the house became known as Qualletts Grove. It was John Franklin who inherited Qualletts Grove and who in or around 1752 commissioned the building of the present house in front of the original farmhouse, and nearer to the main road. When he died, in 1745, the land, and house passed to his son Joseph who had enlarged the estate to 77 acres by 1805. 
The estate was then put up for sale and bought by a John Cross.  During the early part of the 19th century Quallets Grove became a popular residence for high ranking military officers and described as a desirable modern Villa. Indeed it boasted some of the best “mod cons” of the day with a large hall (ideal for entertaining), bath with closet, good kitchen and four superior bedrooms with water closets. 
Qualletts Grove was again on the market in 1836 and was bought by the then Captain Charles Napier who at that time was living at Purbrook Lodge.    Qualletts Grove would have been well known to him and very attractive with its easy access to London and to Portsmouth and with his many Naval contemporaries also living in substantial houses in the area.    It was he, who changed the name to Merchistoun Hall in honour of his distinguished family home.
Sir Charles was descended from the ancient Earls of Lennox of Falkirk, Scotland. At Merchistoun Hall Sir Charles and Lady Napier were followers of the Hambledon Hunt and especially liked the Hambledon Hunt races which were run on Soberton Down.  
Sir Charles loved his gardens, and for twenty years had an accomplished head gardener, Henry Drover and his son William. 
Henry specialised in chrysanthemums winning all the leading shows of the day.   
They later started their own nurseries in Fareham with the patronage of the royal family.
Merchistoun at that time had two entrance drives and lodges, one at the junction of the Portsmouth Road and Catherington Lane and the other towards where the Good Intent pub stands.  
Sir Charles placed cannon balls from his victory at Acre on the pillars of the gates, and enjoyed racing his carriage and four from one to the other at speed!  In his latter years the In his latter years the Horndean workhouse was built on the opposite side of the Portsmouth Road , and it is said that local residents became used to this eccentric very stout character with his lame leg and a stoop, dressed in a farmers smock, with his round face, whiskers and busy eyebrows who, it was said, could have come from either side of the road! On his 72nd birthday Sir Charles was promoted to Admiral, and he died on the 6th November l860.
Whilst Merchistoun Hall experienced a quiet time in the early part of the 20th century, Horndean became the destination of weekend trippers and holiday makers.  
With the arrival of the Horndean Light Railway in l902 this made it easy access for those seeking a day out in the pleasant rural woodland area.   During the Second World War the house and grounds became the headquarters for 30 Corps – an armoured unit of the Royal Artillery.   The Army was billeted in the grounds. 
Having been bought in l942 by A.W.White and Company after l945 it was used as a furniture store.   During this time 37 acres were purchased by Petersfield Rural District Council for housing.   Merchistoun Hall, the Gardeners Cottage and the walled garden remained.
Horndean Community Association was formed in l946 but their activities were limited without their own centre.    When Merchistoun Hall came on the market again in the early l950’s Admiral A.J.L.Murray who was the Secretary of the Association urged them to swing into action and raise the price needed to purchase the Hall.   Every house in the village was visited and together with the villagers generous gifts or loans the £5000 was raised. 
With everyone’s help to do the work necessary to put the building in order, the Centre was officially opened on the 31st January l956 by the then Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Mr. Alan Lubbock.
The Centre catered for all age groups and provided a wide range of activities.  The Fetes became the highlight of the year, and were opened by such celebrities as Arthur English, Harry Secombe and Peter Sellars.   Admiral Murray’s portrait is in pride of place in the main hall.
Extract taken from a talk by Marion Wade Chairman of Horndean Community Association. Thanks go to the main sources of research, Barry Stapleton with his book Horndean 2000 and Steve Jones for his marvellous history of Admiral Sir Charles Napier and Merchistoun Hall.   Steve’s book is available for purchase should you wish to delve further into a fascinating look back through the ages.