Alton, Hampshire, England

The first real evidence of occupation can be seen during the Roman period, where there was a ford crossing the River Wey. However, it was the Saxons that gave the town its name, and evidence of a Saxon cemetery was found during building excavations. Artefacts and more information can be found in the Curtis Museum. In 1307 King Edward II presented the town with a charter giving it the right to hold an annual fair - mainly for cattle and toys. The fair (although now a fun fair) still comes to Alton today. The Parish Church of St. Lawrence (although the tower can be dated to the Norman period), is an example of the Perpendicular style in found in Hampshire. This is one of several churches in Alton. In 1643, St. Lawrence's was the scene of a battle during the Civil War, evidence of this can be seen inside the church today. In 1867 the brutal murder of Fanny Adams, aged 8 by Solicitor's Clerk, Frederick Baker, took place in Flood Meadows. We are still reminded of this horrific Victorian tragedy, as the expression "Sweet FA" originates from this event.