Fairthorne Manor

overview

Originally built for Clement Milward QC, the house and estate were purchased by the Burrell family in 1878 for £52,000 who became great supporters of the local community until the last family member passed away in 1924. The Burrington family purchased the property and remained owners until mid-way through World War II, when the army resided in part of the house and the Manor was visited by Churchill, Montgomery and Eisenhower. In 1946, the YMCA purchased the property to accommodate TS Warfleet for £8,500.

TS Warfleet trained young men to serve in the Merchant Navy and for 15 years Fairthorne became a “land ship”. In 1950, sailing and canoeing courses started for young men from Southampton and its popularity meant the addition of dormitory accommodation and various camps. But costs soared and in 1962 Warfleet ceased to exist.