Saxon Settlement and the Meonwara

650

Wickham's Saxon origins are reflected in its name, which derives from the Old English 'wic' (settlement or dwelling) and 'ham' (homestead). The Meon Valley was settled by the Meonwara, a Jutish or Saxon people who gave their name to the river and the valley. Wickham grew as an agricultural settlement on the river, taking advantage of the chalk stream for water and milling, and the valley floor for farming. The Saxon church that preceded the current St Nicholas Church served this early community. The Meonwara are recorded by Bede as converting to Christianity in the seventh century.