Original sepia print of Old Alresford rectory, also showing grounds with small figures playing croquet, c. 1870

Photograph of the rectory at Old Alresford

Taken about 1870

The rectory at Old Alresford was virtually rebuilt and the gardens much improved for the wealthy mid-eighteenth century rector and man of letters, Dr John Hoadly, son of the Bishop of Winchester. A century later the rector was the son of another Bishop of Winchester - George Henry Sumner was the incumbent from 1851-85, so members of his family may be pictured here playing croquet. His wife, Mary, is known as the founder of the Mothers' Union.

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'.