National Gazetteer (1868) - Overton

"OVERTON, a parish in the hundred of Overton, county Hants, 4 miles N.E. of Whitchurch. It is a station on the Yeovil and Exeter branch of the London and South-Western railway. It is situated on the Great Western road, near the head of the river Test. It is an extensive parish, comprising, besides the town of its own name, the hamlets of Polhampton, Quidhampton, and Southington. It is a prescriptive borough, and was formerly a market town. Prior to the passing of the Reform Bill it returned two members to parliament. There are numerous malthouses and a silk mill, giving employment to a number of the female inhabitants. The Whitchurch union poorhouse is situated in this parish. Overton is the kennelling place of the Vine hounds. The land is almost wholly arable, with about 600 acres of woodland. The tithes of Tadley have been commuted for a rent-charge of £229 12s.

The living is a rectory and vicarage* with the rectory of Tadley annexed, in the diocese of Winchester, value £320, in the patronage of the bishop. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient structure, with a low square tower surmounted by a shingled spire and containing five bells. The church was restored in 1853. The parochial charities produce about £14 per annum. There is an endowed National school. The Independents and Wesleyans have each a place of worship. The Bishop of Winchester is lord of the manor. Fairs are held on 4th May, Whit-Monday, July 18th, and 22nd October. The one occurring on the 18th July is a very extensive sheep and lamb fair. "POLHAMPTON, a tything in the parish of Overton, county Hants, 4 miles N.E. of Whitchurch. "QUIDHAMPTON, a tything in the parish of Overton, county Hants, 4 miles N.E. of Whitchurch. "SOUTHINGTON, a tything in the parish of Overton, county Hants, 3 miles N.E. of Whitchurch. Here was formerly a Knights Templars preceptory."

[Description(s) from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868) - Transcribed by Colin Hinson ©2003]