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Hampden House and its history

A medieval house, it has several times been remodelled over the years. Unfortunately the exterior is now marred by 18th century crenellations and stucco. See SP8402 : The Great Hall, Hampden House. It was the home of the Hampden family whose memorials can be seen in the nearby church SP8402 : Church of St Mary Magdelene, Great Hampden. During the Civil War period it was occupied by John Hampden, Cromwell’s cousin and one of Pym’s closest political allies in the Long Parliament. John is famous for standing up to King Charles, who in 1642 attempted to arrest him after he had refused to pay Ship Money. It was a tragedy for the King that he should alienate such a man whose integrity, tolerance and moderating influence might have prevented the later struggles becoming so brutal and unprincipled. Sadly John Hampden died of his wounds in a skirmish at Chalgrove in 1643. At Honor End, a mile from his house, is the SP8601 : John Hampden Monument, Prestwood which reads: “By resisting the claim of the King in legal strife he upheld the right of the people under the law and became entitled to grateful remembrance”. See Link . In the 20th century most of the 'Hammer House' horror films Link were made at Hampden House which today is used as insurance company offices. See also SP7709 : “The Dinton Hermit” – Inn sign at Ford near Dinton.
The story of John Hampden and the local Roundhead conspirators is at: Link , and there is a Gallery at: Link