Thorley
In the time of Edward the Confessor the manor was called Torlei (the thorny lea) and was held by Earl Tostig. In Domesday Book it is recorded as being held by Alsi, son of Brisei. Later it reverted to the Crown. Henry I presented it to Richard de Redvers, but the last of this family, Isabella de Fortibus, sold her rights back to the Crown in 1293.
According to a survey made in 1110, the manor was little better than a huge rabbit warren, as it was forbidden to cut the undergrowth. In 1306 the Prior and Convent of Christchurch, Twynham, received a fifth part of "tithes of conies", and after that was paid the King received twopence per head for about 500 conies a year.
Edward II gave Thorley to his much-hated favourite, Piers Gaveston, and after his death to one of the Despensers. Reverting once more to the Crown, in November, 1478, Thorley and Swainston were made over to Anthony Earl Rivers, "for six years from Easter last", as a recompense for injuries to his family perpetrated by George Duke of Clarence.
The Urry family were connected with Thorley from 1273 until 1679, when Elizabeth, daughter of John Urry, sold her rights to Sir Robert Holmes, Governor of the Island; but the family was still in the district in the 19th century.
The 13th century Church of St. Swithun was founded by Amicia, Countess of Devon, and is said to have been "of good proportions and some elegance", but it fell into ruin and long afterwards a new Church was built further north, in 1871, by subscription. The two bells are said to have come from Shalfleet, who sold their bells in a time of financial stringency. Thorley Church Registers date from 1614.
In 1814 the Highway Commission accepted a tender of Wm. Plumbley to "form" a road from Thorley to Brook Down, via Mr. Urry's gate to Shalcombe. In 1817 a bridge was built at Barnfield, and another in 1818 at Holbrooks.
A National School was provided in 1866 to take 60 scholars. The Yarmouth tidal mill was really in the parish of Thorley, on Thorley Brook. It may have been re-built in the 17th century by Lord Holmes.
