On the 1st of May each year local children dance around the maypole as part of the local May Day celebrations and the village still holds an annual fete and harvest supper.
In recent years the village has become known for its polo club which is in a stunning setting at the foot of the downs.
Churchwardens
Mr John Oldfield 01747 871119
Mrs Lesley Sims 01747 873068
St James' Church Services
1st Sunday Family Communion; 2nd & 3rd Sunday: Parish Communion Order 1
4th Sunday: BCP Holy Communion [said]; when there is a 5th Sunday: Matins [sung].
Please see the Rota page for details of services.
History
In very early times Ansty (Anestige ‑ a Saxon word meaning "the way up") was part of the Royal Forest of Selwood and King Alfred is reputed to have hunted here in about AD 890.
Two Manors are mentioned in the Doomsday Book with the main estate being owned by Waleran the Hunter.
In 1066 William the Conqueror gave the Manor of Ansty to Payne de Turberville and that family held the title for the next 145 years. It is interesting to note that this is the same person as "D'urberville" in Hardy's "Tess of the D'urbervilles" and Ansty is indirectly mentioned early in the book: 'In the reign of King John, one of them was rich enough to give a manor to the Knights Hospitallers'.
In 1211 Walter de Turberville gave the Manor to the Knights Hospitaller and whilst England was under an interdict between 1208 and 1214, Ansty would have been one of the few place where the sacraments were still celebrated, as the Knights Hospitaller were exempt because they reported directly to Pope.
The Hospitallers held Ansty until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1541 at which time the Manor was sold to Sir John Zouch for 30.6.9d. Francis Zouch (buried in Ansty) inherited the Manor from his father in 1585. Shortly afterwards Ansty was purchased by Sir Matthew Arundell and in 1596‑98 his son Thomas Arundell (later the first Lord Arundell) rebuilt the Manor House and also built the present "Hospice or Commandery". Ansty remained part of the Wardour Estate until it was sold privately in 1946.
The large stone building near to the church is locally called "The Hospice" or "Old Commandery". It was built in 1596‑98 by Thomas Arundell (possibly on the site of the original Hospice of the Knights Hospitaller). It was most likely used as a banqueting hall
From 2nd to 11th May 1643, during the siege of Wardour Castle, the Cromwellian army is reputed to have been housed in the "Hospice". It is also interesting to note that the local Ansty maypole was removed at this time by the Puritans but was replaced in 1680 following the restoration of the monarchy.
The "Hospice" was badly damaged by fire in 1922 and shortly after the second world war the south east corner was damaged by an American tank which accidentally hit the building. The building was restored in 2001 and is now used for local private and village events such as the maypole celebrations, harvest supper and village weddings.
History
Ansty Today
Today Ansty is a small rural village of about 125 people including 25 children of school age. There are still several farms but the village has now lost its shop, post office and pub.
On the 1st of May each year local children dance around the maypole as part of the local May Day celebrations and the village still holds an annual fete and harvest supper.
In recent years the village has become known for its polo club which is in a stunning setting at the foot of the downs.
The parish church which dates from the 13th century is dedicated to St James and holds services every Sunday plus a short evening service each Tuesday.
WILTON MOBILE LIBRARY
Location: Ansty Maypole
Time: Every other Thursday from 2.15 to 2.50pm
Not only are books and video tapes are available but also internet access and full facilities for the disabled.