OUR HISTORY
CHALCRAFT & CLAY
A Rich History Of Land & Estates
Chalcraft & Clay is a continuation of rich family history based around land & estates in the Hampshire area. For over five generations, the Clay family have worked the land, creating beautiful and purposeful outdoor areas for hundreds to enjoy. Phil Hanks had a vision of bringing this age old family tradition to the modern day, to create you your perfect outdoor space.
Below is the extensive family history which has inspired the creation of Chalcraft & Clay…
The Clay Family History
Nicholas Clay – Great Great Great Grandfather
Nicholas Clay 1841 Bramdean: Woodman
John Clay – Great Great Grandfather
John Clay 1871 West Meon: Woodman
1884 Worthy Park Lodge: Gamekeeper
Ernest Clay – Great Grandfather
Ernest Clay 1893 Worthy Park Lodge : Garden Boy
1895 The Grange Northington: Journeyman
Broadlands, Romsey: Gardener
Cobham Hall, Kent: Foreman Greenhouse
Waddesdon Manor: Gardener
Cutbush’s Nurseries: Nursery Man
Little Halands, Seaford: Head Gardener
1920 The Grange Northington: Head Gardener
Tichbourne Park: Head Gardener
Grandfather
Martin Clay Lavington Park: Gardener
Gatton Park: Gardener
Otterbourne House: Gardener
Wormwood Scrubs: Head Gardener
Richard Clay – Great Uncle
Richard Clay Blenheim Palace
Little Cote House
Nursery Sarisbury Green
Sparsholt Nursery
Swan Nurseries, Mansbridge
Rod Clay – Cousin
Rod Clay Swan Nurseries, Mansbridge: Horticulturist (retired)
Andrew Clay – Cousin
Andrew Clay Winters Hill Estate: Head Gardener (present)
David Hanks – Brother
David Hanks 1996 Cell Park, Markyate: Estate Manager
2001 Lower Langham Farm: Head Gardener (present)
Phil Hanks – Founder
Phil Hanks 1994 Royal Winchester Golf Course: Manager
2003 Botley Golf Course: Manager
2008 Old Alresford House: Estates Manager
2014 Chalcraft & Clay Ltd: Director
James Hanks – Son
James Hanks 2019 Joins the company: Director












