The Name "Andover" probably came from the word "aet Andefers" it was the name given to one of the Kings of Wessex hunting lodge that was built on the spur of the river Anton in 962. When it was known that Royalty was settling here other traders settled here under royal protection.
In 994 Viking Olaf Tryggvasson was persuaded by King Aethelred to stop his raid on "Andover" in return for protection Money of £16,000.00. The agreement was sealed by a ceremony in the church which Olaf was baptised by Bishop Alphege of Winchester and in the presence of King Aethelred. Hostages were exchanged and Olaf returned to Norway to spread the news of Christianity. It is generally believed that two local places Thruxton and Ibthorpe came from the Danish "Thurkel's" and "Ibba's Farm" places where Olaf 's hostages settled.
In 1435 a serious fire engulfed the town. The whole town was burnt except the church and the priory. They were built of stone so they escaped the holocaust.
The oldest place in Andover town now is the "Angel" public house. It was originally called the "College Inn" It was owned by Winchester College. It was totally destroyed by fire in 1435. Unfortunately it could not be rebuilt until 1582. Due to lack of funds.
