This countryside village has historic roots, a popular heritage railway and a celebrity resident - have you visited?
Four Marks, located in East Hampshire just 4.4 miles southwest of Alton, sits on the A31 and borders the South Downs National Park.
It is one of the highest settlements in Hampshire at 630 feet above sea level and is part of the historic Pilgrims' Way, the ancient route from Winchester to Canterbury.
Here is everything to know about the village and why it is worth a visit.
History of Four Marks
The area has a long history of habitation, with the earliest evidence being a Neolithic flint axe dating back to around 3000 BC.
Other archaeological finds include a Bronze Age bracelet and necklace, indicating ongoing settlement over the centuries.
Four Marks gets its name from the place where four civil parishes—Medstead, Ropley, Farringdon, and Chawton—once met.
The name is derived from the term "Fowremkes," meaning a quadripoint.
It officially became a parish in 1932, following the dissolution of seven parishes.
The village was originally settled by veterans of the Crimean War, who were allocated plots for smallholdings.
Some colonial-era houses from that time still stand today.
An early telegraph station once operated on what is now Telegraph Lane, and the village has a long tradition of fetes and galas dating back to its earliest days.
One of Four Marks’ key historical features is its connection to the Watercress Line, a heritage railway that once transported watercress to markets during the Victorian era.
The line, now known as the Mid-Hants Railway, runs 10 miles from Alresford to Alton, with a station at Four Marks.
It was originally opened in 1865 and operated by the London and South Western Railway.
The line was revived as a heritage railway in the 1980s.
Things to do in Four Marks
Despite its rural setting, Four Marks offers several attractions for visitors and residents alike.
The Watercress Line is a popular destination, offering nostalgic journeys through the Hampshire countryside on historic steam and diesel trains.
The railway also provides experience days, including dining events and seasonal celebrations such as Christmas specials.
The village is also home to the Triple FFF Brewery, established in 1997, which offers tours and tastings.
Hampshire Hawk Walks, set on a 1,000-acre estate, provides guided woodland walks with birds of prey and immersive falconry experiences in a tranquil, natural setting.
Nearby attractions include the Greyfriar pub and Jane Austen’s House, both just a short drive from the village.
Famous TV chef lives in Four Marks
Four Marks is also home to a well-known resident. Jane Devonshire, winner of MasterChef UK in 2016, lives in the village.
Originally from London, Ms Devonshire credits her early love of cooking to her mother and grandmother.
She is known for her gluten-free recipes and has published two cookbooks: Hassle Free, Gluten Free (2018) and Vegetarian Hassle Free, Gluten Free (2020).
Ms Devonshire runs a catering and events business, serves as a consultant chef for Signature Care Homes, and hosts pop-up dining experiences and cookery classes.
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She is an ambassador for Coeliac UK and supports Breast Cancer Now and the Ark Cancer Charity.
A cancer survivor, she won MasterChef while in remission.
Ms Devonshire has also supported community events in Four Marks, including opening the 'Wishing Garden' at Four Marks Primary School as guest of honour shortly after her win.
Have you been to Four Marks before? Let us know in the comments.
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