Information available for the parish of Rowner near Portsmouth southern England in 1642.

Research by :- Roger Towner & Richard Roberts

With additional material by Jane Feiven, Sheila Sharpe and others.

Originally this information was to be used in a booklet researched to assist in an historical re-enactment of rural life around the parish of Rowner in early 17th century England, these pages may be of interest to other researchers and teachers.

Our research covers both local material such as Wills, Muster Lists and Parish Register together with more general information including coinage, wages, prices and artillery.

The parish of Rowner lies 2 miles west of Portsmouth and covers nearly 1200 acres. There is no village but the church of St. Mary the Virgin serves a number of farms, the largest being Grange Farm covering nearly 700 acres. Both the church and Grange farmhouse still stand today.

The manor of Rowner was held by the Brunes who in the early 17th century were living at Athelhampton in Dorset some 60 miles away. In their absence Grange farm was occupied by the Stares family.

In 1642 James Searle was the Rector and the two church wardens were John Stares and John Cotton.