Rowland's Castle

Yesterday, I went on a hiking trip to Rowlands’ Castle, an ancient village in East Hampshire. Walking through the village is like exploring through a time capsule, examining the different periods from the Parish Hall.

Initially built as a meeting place and an institute for science in 1899. By 1913, the subscription list documented the building's use as a local Parish Hall. Between 1913 and 14, construction work transformed the building into its modern-day appearance. After its construction, the local parish rented the building for sporadic annual meetings at a cost of 5 shillings at first for the initial years before the rent rose to ￡2.10. In addition to the parish, the local cricket and football teams also used the hall for changing and a team room to socialise.

However, the building's conditions deteriorated during the 1970s. Extensive restoration and expansion work took place to add a new kitchen, storage spaces, and toilets. By 1990, the restoration project was complete with the connection of the building to the former rifle storage room. Despite the upgrades, there were serious problems. The hall had no heating systems, and the rooms were inadequate under health and safety regulations. Using the National Lottery Scheme, the Parish Hall was fully restored and opened in 2010, generating a profit through its daily operations.

The railway station was built in 1859 to help with transporting goods between Portsmouth and Petersfield. Its presence helped to revitalise the village as a comfortable residential suburb. Its proximity to Stanstead's House helped to move bricks to London. The transport link was vital not only for resource transportation but a crucial element for moving troops during the World Wars, including the planning for Operation Overlord in 1944.

The next updates will be on the Golf Course and the local Church.