| Sixpenny Handley | |
High Street, Sixpenny Handley |
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Sixpenny Handley
Sixpenny Handley shown within Dorset |
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| Population | 1,175 |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | ST997172 |
| Parish | Sixpenny Handley |
| District | North Dorset |
| Shire county | Dorset |
| Region | South West |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SALISBURY |
| Postcode district | SP5 |
| Dialling code | 01725 |
| Police | Dorset |
| Fire | Dorset |
| Ambulance | South Western |
| EU Parliament | South West England |
| UK Parliament | North Dorset |
| List of places: UK • England • Dorset | |
Sixpenny Handley is a village and civil parish in north east Dorset, England, situated on Cranborne Chase ten miles (16 km) north east of Blandford Forum. The village has a population of 1,175 (As of 2001[update]).
The village name is derived from two medieval hundreds: "Sexpena" and "Hanlega", which by the 14th century were united as the hundred of "Sexpenne et Henle".[1] The village was originally known as Handley,[1] or Handley St Mary.[2] The use of the name Sixpenny Handley to describe the village and parish is fairly modern,[1] and was being used as an alternative name by the middle of the 19th century.[2]
The village is popular for its various garden events throughout the year including the annual Flower Show which attracts many hundreds of visitors from across the county.
The parish church of St Mary dates from the 14th century. It has been designated a Grade II* listed building.[3]