History of Grateley

The history of our village can be dated back to over two thousand years ago when people lived in the pre-historic hillfort at nearby Quarley Hill. In the intervening years the Romans have lived here, King Aethelstan enacted the first code of laws in Grateley, and various Lords of the Manor have come and gone. The railway in Victorian times brought work and wealth to the village and turned Grateley into a communication centre for the local area.

This rich history is reflected in the buildings within the village. From the 13th Century Church, 16th Century farm cottages, 17th and 18th century manor houses, and what seems to have been a major development period for the village in Victorian times.

We cannot do justice to Grateley’s history on this one page, so local resident Michael Longyear has taken it upon himself to write a more detailed report on the history. The following links take you to the series of articles written by Michael recording a brief history of Grateley from 1800BC until current times. As well as looking back at the period of our village history, he records in some detail later village life as it comes to terms with two world wars and transition to modern day living.