North Stoneham Park was probably part of a Saxon ecclesiastical estate from the 7th century; later belonged to Hyde Abbey until the dissolution of the monasteries.

1334

A deer park is first mentioned when an oyer and terminer is issued against certain miscreants who broke into the abbot's park at North Stoneham and stole his deer.

1545

Thomas Wriothesley, Earl of Southampton, acquired the estate.

1599

Wriothesley sold the estate to Sir Thomas Fleming.

1680s

Work on the gardens recorded.

c.1736

Construction of the ionic Belvedere, a summer house and banqueting hall. The 1736 Enclosure Map for part of North Stoneham Common depicts the west boundary of the deer park.

1759

The first map to depict the full extent of the park is Taylor's map of 1759.

1770s

Lancelot 'Capability' Brown enlisted by John Fleming (ob.1802) to survey and prepare a scheme. The work implemented, with final payment made in 1778. Brown probably created a more informal parkland landscape, reducing the avenues to clumps and lines of trees, enlarging the ponds, and establishing serpentine approach drives. The Deer Park and Avenue Park were strikingly contrasted with an area of higher Rough Park.

1818

The first detailed survey of the Park, made by John Whitcher.

John Willis Fleming (ob.1844) demolished the old manor house and built a new mansion in the centre of the park, designed in the Greek Revival style by the leading architect Thomas Hopper (1776-1856). A plan of 1818 shows the layout of the park and gardens. Hopper also designed a conservatory and the Temple lodge, remodelled the southwest entrance lodge, the Belvedere, as a classical gateway, and altered the church. A larger upper lake was constructed, and the slopes between the lake and new house terraced in a formal Italianate style.

1844

John Willis Fleming died, leaving the mansion unfinished and his family and estate in severe financial difficulties. The estate was some 15,000 acres in extent, one of the largest in Hampshire.

1854

The Willis Fleming family finally moved out of the mansion, later making nearby Chilworth Manor their primary home.

1871

North Stoneham House used as residential flats. The park continued to be used for sporting events, but the deer herd was removed by this time.

1908

Part of the Deer Park and Rough Park turned into a golf course.

1910-19

The house and gardens used as a country sports club, and then as a military hospital. The park used for events and racing.

1914

Swaythling Remount Depot constructed within the Deer Park.

1917

War Shrine constructed on a high point north of Avenue Pond by John E A Willis Fleming in memory of his second son, and other men of the parish who died in the Great War.

The house again used as residential flats. The park used for events, including the Royal Show in 1932.

1939

North Stoneham House demolished.

1953

The estate sold by the Willis Fleming family and divided into multiple ownership.