The village of Farringdon, lies astride the A32, in the district of East Hampshire, within the South Downs National Park, near the town of Alton.

To the east and west are major trunk routes, the A3(M) and the M3. South West Trains operate a regular and frequent daily service from Alton to London Waterloo, which takes approximately 70 minutes.

Within the Parish there are a network of footpaths, bridleways, rights of way and cycle routes, making it popular for ramblers, horse riders and cyclists.

Ancient History
Farringdon is generally accepted as being founded in the Anglo Saxon period around two manors; the present Manor Farm and the former Popham Manor, which is situated near to West Cross. The settlements grew up around these manors with the surrounding area comprising a number of dispersed farms. In 1086 Farringdon was listed in the Doomesday Book as Ferendone, meaning fern-covered hill.

From earliest times, the village of Farringdon was a farming community which flourished in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. However, with increasing mechanisation in farming, the population declined and former workers’ cottages were bought by people who more often worked outside the village. From 1903 to 1967, the village was served by the Meon Valley Railway which during that time carried passengers to Farringdon Halt.

Modern Times
Today the village is divided into:

Upper Farringdon, which is the older more historic core of the village and includes several houses dating back to the 15th century, many 18th century houses and cottages, a Norman Church and surrounding farmland. Upper Farringdon includes Massey’s Folly, part of which was the Village Hall until it was sold in 2015.

Lower Farringdon, comprises several large 18th Century dwellings and more recent infill properties astride the former turnpike road, now the A32. This part of the village has undergone considerable change as a consequence of the A32 and now includes small industrial and business parks. These are mainly located in the former railway yard and a derelict grain mill, which was once served by the now defunct railway. The most recent medium scale housing development is east of the A32 in the area known as Shirnall Meadow.