Shackleford
Encyclopedia
Shackleford is a village in Surrey
, England
lying to the west of the A3
between Guildford
and Petersfield
. Neighbouring villages include Puttenham, Peper Harrow and Eashing
.
The village does not appear in the Domesday survey of the eleventh century. The name first appears (as Sakelesford) in 1220 with many variants appearing down the centuries. The derivation of the "Shackle" part of the name is uncertain and the subject of speculation. A possible formation is from the Old English verb sceacan (to shake) suggesting loose movement, perhaps the shaky or loose bottom of the ford itself.
The name may derive from a 'ford' (perhaps over a marshy area or swamp) belonging to a man with the name 'shackle' or perhaps a ford secured by chains. Others have speculated that the name derives from the Old English word 'scacol,' meaning tongue of land. Whatever the derivation, by the 14th century villagers began taking the place name as a surname, when there is known to have been a William de Shackleford who lived in the area.
Many of the houses that still stand today were built in the 18th century, although there was a further expansion of the village when the railway line was constructed between London
and Portsmouth
during the mid 19th century, passing through nearby Godalming
and Farncombe.
St. Mary's Church was built in 1865, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott
. It stands away from the main village at a nearby crossroads.
Hall Place was demolished in 1797 and a new mansion was built on the site in the late 19th century. During the Second World War this building and much of its grounds were bought by Aldro
School, which relocated there from Eastbourne
.
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
lying to the west of the A3
A3 road
The A3, known as the Portsmouth Road for much of its length, is a dual carriageway, or expressway, which follows the historic route between London and Portsmouth passing close to Kingston upon Thames, Guildford, Haslemere and Petersfield. For much of its length, it is classified as a trunk road...
between Guildford
Guildford
Guildford is the county town of Surrey. England, as well as the seat for the borough of Guildford and the administrative headquarters of the South East England region...
and Petersfield
Petersfield, Hampshire
Petersfield is a market town and civil parish in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, England. It is north of Portsmouth, on the A3 road. The town has its own railway station on the Portsmouth Direct Line, the mainline rail link connecting Portsmouth and London. The town is situated on the...
. Neighbouring villages include Puttenham, Peper Harrow and Eashing
Eashing
Eashing is a small village in Surrey a couple of miles outside Godalming and was once part of the Godalming but is now administered by Guildford Borough Council. The village is divided into Upper and Lower Eashing. During the reign of King Alfred the Great a burgh was constructed at Upper Eashing...
.
The village does not appear in the Domesday survey of the eleventh century. The name first appears (as Sakelesford) in 1220 with many variants appearing down the centuries. The derivation of the "Shackle" part of the name is uncertain and the subject of speculation. A possible formation is from the Old English verb sceacan (to shake) suggesting loose movement, perhaps the shaky or loose bottom of the ford itself.
The name may derive from a 'ford' (perhaps over a marshy area or swamp) belonging to a man with the name 'shackle' or perhaps a ford secured by chains. Others have speculated that the name derives from the Old English word 'scacol,' meaning tongue of land. Whatever the derivation, by the 14th century villagers began taking the place name as a surname, when there is known to have been a William de Shackleford who lived in the area.
Many of the houses that still stand today were built in the 18th century, although there was a further expansion of the village when the railway line was constructed between London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island...
during the mid 19th century, passing through nearby Godalming
Godalming
Godalming is a town and civil parish in the Waverley district of the county of Surrey, England, south of Guildford. It is built on the banks of the River Wey and is a prosperous part of the London commuter belt. Godalming shares a three-way twinning arrangement with the towns of Joigny in France...
and Farncombe.
St. Mary's Church was built in 1865, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott
George Gilbert Scott
Sir George Gilbert Scott was an English architect of the Victorian Age, chiefly associated with the design, building and renovation of churches, cathedrals and workhouses...
. It stands away from the main village at a nearby crossroads.
Hall Place
William de Shackleford probably owned Hall Place - a substantial manor house which existed here in the 15th century. Its estate covered many acres, including much of today’s village.Hall Place was demolished in 1797 and a new mansion was built on the site in the late 19th century. During the Second World War this building and much of its grounds were bought by Aldro
Aldro
Aldro is a preparatory school in Shackleford, near Godalming, Surrey, England. It caters for about 240 boys between the ages of 7 and 13. The Good Schools Guide called the school an "Extremely popular and successful traditional prep school," also stating "It is a somewhat eccentric world with...
School, which relocated there from Eastbourne
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a large town and borough in East Sussex, on the south coast of England between Brighton and Hastings. The town is situated at the eastern end of the chalk South Downs alongside the high cliff at Beachy Head...
.