Wherwell is a very picturesque village in the Test Valley, three miles from Andover. Here can be seen some of the finest examples of straw thatching in England, displayed on the mainly black and white timber-framed cottages. In many cottages, the thatch not only forms the roof, but almost descends to the ground and curves over windows. The Old Malt House is a prime example. In the heart of the village, is the War Memorial, which is set in front of beautiful thatched cottages.
Wherwell is a tranquil village on the bank of the River Test, famous for its trout fishing. The river separates Wherwell from its neighbouring village of Chilbolton. St. Peter and Holy Cross Church was re-built in 1856 and has a tower clad in wooden tiles. Close to the Church is the Priory, a nineteenth century house built on the site of the Abbey of Wherwell, which was founded in 986 by Queen Elfrida as a penance for murdering her stepson. In 978, King Edward, later called the Martyr, was murdered when he was only eighteen years old, at the instigation of Elfrida who wanted the throne for her son, Ethelred the Unready. When Edward arrived at Corfe Castle where his stepmother lived, he was given a drink and then stabbed to death by her servants. At the time, Ethelred was only ten years of age and later became king. The parish church in Corfe Castle village is named after the murdered king. The Abbey was destroyed on the order of King Henry VIII in 1539, as part of the general dissolution of the Monasteries. The Priory is a popular wedding venue.
In the village, is the White Lion Inn, which is a oak beamed coaching inn, dating from 1611.
