Original sepia print of Bighton rectory and garden with figures, c. 1870

Photograph of the rectory at Bighton

Taken about 1870

The village of Bighton, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, lies about two miles north-east of Alresford. The spacious rectory was built in 1732. In this leisurely scene four people relax beneath a tree on the croquet lawn whilst the lady to the right has turned towards a man who appears to be gardening. The rector at this time was the Reverend George Deane.

The photograph was taken by Winchester photographer William Savage (1817-87) and is found in an album entitled 'Hampshire Views of Churches, Country Houses and Public Buildings'.