Shappen Hill/Moorhill House

House originally called Shabden Hill and possibly built for Mrs Robins ('of Shabden Hill' in 1859). It was in the Anstie family 1867-1901. James Anstie QC (1836-1924), of the Anstie tobacco and snuff manufacturers of Devizes, owned it 1889-99, possibly as a home for his sister Elizabeth (d. 1898), who was living there in 1891. Anstie was a Charity Commissioner 1884-1892, when he retired. In 1901 he donated the house to be a Holiday Home for Nonconformist Ministers. He was living in Southbourne with his daughter in 1901.Hardcastle, p. 201: ‘This island site is an encroachment, but when, or by whom it was enclosed is not known. The first owner of these 3.5 acres whose name can be traced though the Rate Book, is a certain Louis Robin (or Robins) whose freehold property is described in 1848 as “Shappen Hill. 3.2.11 acres.” Tradition says that Mr Robin held a responsible post on the staff of the Highliffe Castle estate. Mrs Robin is rated for the same in 1864. In 1856 when Forest rights were claimed, no mention is made of any :ancient messuage” and so presumably no building stood on these fields until after that date. In 1901 Mr J. Anstie, KC, made a gift of the house and land as Holiday Home for Nonconformist Ministers. many additions and improvements have taken place and an illustrated booklet gave the public full information about the excellent accommodation and amenities it afforded. ‘