There are probably many people who still remember Downton Tannery. Downton, or Dunton as it was known in Saxon times, started with its foundation in the sixth century.

It was a large, self contained village, which until the Reform Act of 1832, sent two members to Parliament. The Raleigh family had a manor house in Downton where Sir Walter is said to have entertained Queen Elizabeth. The Bishop of Winchester also had a palace.

There was a tannery from the 12th century and most probably long before. From about 1710, there was a paper mill on the opposite side of the road which was driven by a single wheel, incorporated a drying-shed, and apparently remained in use until just after the First World War – it was certainly producing banknote paper up to 1919.

The mill also specialised in hand-made writing-paper and account book paper.

The tannery existed in a much smaller form until around 1919, when it was completely rebuilt by the Southern Tanning Co. Ltd.

The company failed around 1930 and was replaced by the Downton Tanning Co. Although the Downton Tanning Co went through a difficult period and nearly closed, a new vigorous management introduced an era of prosperity.

At its height the tannery employed 50 people receiving raw hides from many sources. Tanning liquid came from Mimosa, South Africa, and was used to convert the hides into “bends” of leather for shoe and harness makers.

The tannery closed in 1998 with the site being earmarked to provide new housing and apartments for the over 55s.

This historic building was eventually converted into residential dwellings by Beechcroft Developments in 2005. The main tannery building was converted into luxury apartments. Beechcroft stated that they would “provide the residents with a peaceful riverside position within the sought-after village of Downton.”