Hampshire Down flocks were established more than 150 years ago. The breed originated from a three-way cross – Wiltshire Horn, Berkshire Knot and Southdown. These flocks were recognised as vital to maintaining fertility on thin downland soils in Wiltshire, Hampshire and Berkshire.
Pure Hampshire Down flocks proliferated across the whole of the South of England. Sales were staged at Wilton, Overton, Weyhill and other fairs with up to 20,000 head at each one.
A burgeoning export trade for pure Hampshire Downs was also evolved to the major sheep producing countries.
