Hampshire

Hampshire, often called Hants, is a county in South East England. It is bordered by Berkshire to the north, Surrey and West Sussex to the east, the Isle of Wight across the Solent to the south, Dorset to the west, and Wiltshire to the north-west. The largest settlement is Southampton, with the city of Portsmouth also being very important.

The county covers an area of 3,769 km² and had an estimated population of nearly 1.9 million in 2024. Besides Southampton and Portsmouth, other important towns include Basingstoke, Andover, and Winchester. Much of the county is rural, with beautiful countryside and historic sites.

Hampshire's landscape includes rolling hills, chalk downlands like the Hampshire Downs and the South Downs, and the famous New Forest, home to wild animals and ancient woods. Rivers such as the Loddon, Wey, Itchen, and Test flow through the area.

People have lived in Hampshire for about 14,000 years. During Roman Britain, the main town was Venta Belgarum, now known as Winchester. Over time, ports like Southampton grew because of trade with the European mainland. During both World War One and World War Two, Hampshire was very important for military operations because of its ports.

Toponymy

Long ago, the area around Southampton was called Hamtun, and the region was known as Hamtunscīr. This old name appeared in the Domesday Book as Hantescire, which is where the short form "Hants" comes from. Between 1889 and 1959, this place was called the County of Southampton, and sometimes Southamptonshire.

Many people from Hampshire traveled to North America in the 1600s to start new lives. They named the place they settled New Hampshire after their home in Hampshire.

History

Before the Roman Conquest

Main article: History of Hampshire

People have lived in this area since the end of the last Ice Age, around 12,000 BCE. At that time, Britain was connected to Europe by land and covered mostly in forests. The first people were hunters and gatherers who lived near rivers.

By 4000 BCE, people were farming, and by 2200 BCE, during the Bronze Age, they began clearing forests more widely. Hampshire had few big stone buildings, but nearby Stonehenge was built between 3100 and 2200 BCE. In the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age, many hilltop forts were built, like Danebury Rings, and these places became important.

The Roman Era

The Romans came to Britain in 43 CE and quickly included Hampshire in their province of Britannia. Venta, today’s Winchester, became an important town. Although Hampshire was not involved in Boudicca’s rebellion around 60–61 CE, there is evidence of fires in Winchester from that time.

For the next three centuries, southern Britain had peace. Towns built walls, and a pottery industry in the New Forest sold items across the area. Near Southampton was a fort called Clausentum, part of the Saxon Shore forts, which protected against sea raids.

Portus Adurni, a Roman fort at the north end of Portsmouth Harbour, is one of the best-preserved Roman forts north of the Alps. The Romans left Britain in 410 CE.

The Jutes

For about 300 years after the Romans left, records are scarce. Later writers talked about groups of Jutes—people from Germany—who came to Hampshire after 476 AD. They settled in areas along the River Itchen and River Meon. Place names like Bishopstoke and the River Itchen show their influence.

The Saxons

In the late seventh century, the West Saxons moved south and brought Hampshire into their kingdom. The name “Hampshire” first appeared around this time. Winchester became a key city, and King Alfred, who fought off Viking attacks in the 9th century, made it his capital.

Middle Ages onwards

After the Norman Conquest in 1066, London became England’s main city, but Winchester stayed important. The New Forest, close to Winchester, was a favorite hunting place for kings. By the 12th century, ports like Southampton grew because of trade, fishing, and shipbuilding.

Coastal forts and castles were built to protect ports, including Portchester Castle. During the English Civil War (1642–1651), battles happened in Hampshire, such as the Siege of Basing House and the Battle of Cheriton.

By the mid-1800s, farming was still important, but manufacturing grew, especially in ports like Portsmouth and Southampton. In 1912, the Titanic, which was built and crewed in Southampton, sank on its first voyage.

Modern era

Hampshire was very important in both World Wars because of its navy base at Portsmouth, army camp at Aldershot, and airplane designers like Supermarine in Southampton. During World War II, Southampton was heavily bombed.

The Isle of Wight was once part of Hampshire but became its own county in 1890. In 1974, Bournemouth and Christchurch were moved to Dorset.

Geography

Hampshire is found in South East England. It shares borders with Dorset to the west, Wiltshire to the north-west, Berkshire to the north, Surrey to the north-east, and West Sussex to the east. The southern edge of Hampshire faces the sea, with the English Channel and the Solent separating it from the Isle of Wight. Southampton is the largest town in Hampshire.

The land in Hampshire has many different types of soil and rock. In the north and middle parts, you’ll find layers of old sandstones and mudstones, along with chalk hills. Toward the south, near the coast, there are softer clays and gravels. The New Forest, a protected area, has a mix of heathland, woods, and open spaces. It’s home to many animals, including ponies and deer. The coastline has been shaped by the sea, creating big watery inlets like Southampton Water and Portsmouth Harbour. Hampshire also has some areas with lots of oil underground, though using these needs special technology that some people worry about.

Settlements

Some of the bigger places in Hampshire include Farnborough, Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover, Gosport, Alton, Lymington, Ringwood, Petersfield, Aldershot, Waterlooville, Welborne, Fleet, Whiteley, Horton Heath, and Whitehill-Bordon.

Winchester is the county town of Hampshire and has a rich history as the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex and of England until the Norman Conquest. The port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth became separate authorities in 1997 but are still part of Hampshire for ceremonial purposes. These cities are also home to universities. Hampshire has good connections to London and has seen growth in areas like Basingstoke, which has become a business and financial center. The county also includes many market towns such as Alresford, Alton, and Andover.

For the complete list of settlements see List of places in Hampshire and List of settlements in Hampshire by population.

Demographics

See also: Immigration into Hampshire

Population

In the year 2001, Hampshire had a population of 1,644,249 people. Most lived in the areas of Southampton, Portsmouth, and the administrative county of Hampshire. From 1991 to 2001, the population grew by 5.6% in the administrative county and 6.2% in Southampton.

The biggest towns and cities in Hampshire include Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, and Gosport. These places are home to many of the county's residents.

Ethnicity and religion

In 2011, around 89% of people in Hampshire identified as white British. Some people came from other places, with about 10% born outside the UK. Most people, about 60%, said they were Christian, while around 30% said they did not follow a religion. Smaller groups included those who followed Islam and Hinduism.

The area has many important religious places, such as the Church of England Diocese of Winchester, which covers much of Hampshire. There are also areas covered by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth.

Politics

Hampshire is governed by Hampshire County Council based at Castle Hill in Winchester, except for the cities of Portsmouth and Southampton, which have their own local governments. The county also has eleven smaller districts and many local councils.

In 2016, most people in Hampshire voted to leave the European Union, called Brexit. Some areas, like Winchester, voted to stay. Hampshire may get a new combined authority and an elected mayor in 2026, which would change how the county is governed.

As of the 2024 General Election, Hampshire elects 19 Members of Parliament. Most are from the Conservative party, with some from Labour and the Liberal Democrats. The county's Parliament members come from many different areas, both towns and countryside.

Hampshire also has a County Youth Council, which lets young people share their ideas and have a say in what happens in their county.

Emergency services

Hampshire has several important services that help keep people safe. These include the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for firefighting, South Central Ambulance Service and South East Coast Ambulance Service for medical emergencies, and Hampshire Constabulary for police work. There is also Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance for quick medical help from the air, British Transport Police for safety on trains and other transport, and HM Coastguard to help near the coast.

Economy

Hampshire is a wealthy county with a big economy. In 2018, its people earned a lot, about the same as the rest of the UK. Many jobs are in cities like Portsmouth and Winchester. The county has fewer people without jobs than most places.

Tourism is important, especially in areas like the New Forest and the South Downs. Big events, like the Southampton Boat Show, draw many visitors. Hampshire also has important ports, such as Southampton Docks, which handle many ships and cargo.

Transport

See also: Transport in South Hampshire

Air

Southampton Airport is an international airport located in the Borough of Eastleigh near Swaythling in Southampton. It has a nearby railway station. The Farnborough International Airshow happens every even year in mid-July at Farnborough Airport. The first five days are for trade shows in the aerospace and defence industries, and the last two days are open to everyone.

Sea

Ferry services cross the channel and the Solent from Southampton, Portsmouth, and Lymington. These ferries connect the county to the Isle of Wight, the Channel Islands, and Europe.

Rail

The South West Main Line, run by South Western Railway, goes from London Waterloo to Weymouth through Winchester and Southampton. The Wessex Main Line runs from Bristol Temple Meads to Portsmouth Harbour and also passes through the county. Other lines include the Portsmouth Direct Line and the West of England line.

Road

The M3 motorway cuts through the middle of the county from the southwest near the New Forest to the northeast, connecting to the M25 London orbital motorway. At the south end, it links to the M27 south coast motorway. The M27 helps avoid traffic in big towns and links to other places on the south coast. Important roads also include the A27, A3, A31, A34, A36, and A303.

People in Hampshire own cars more often than in England and Wales. Only 15.7% do not have a car, compared to 26.8% elsewhere. Fewer people use trains (3.2% versus 4.1%) and buses (3.2% versus 7.4%) for travel. However, more people ride bicycles (3.5% versus 2.7%) and use cars (63.5% versus 55.3%) than average.

Inland waterways

Hampshire used to have many canals, but most are no longer used and have been built over. The Basingstoke Canal has been fixed up and can be used again for most of its length. Other canals like the Salisbury and Southampton Canal, Andover Canal, and Portsmouth and Arundel Canal are gone. Work to fix the Itchen Navigation between Southampton and Winchester started in 2008, mainly to help wildlife.

Education

Hampshire has a comprehensive school system that includes many schools and colleges. There are 24 independent schools within Hampshire, with three in Southampton and four in Portsmouth. Some schools do not have sixth forms, and there are 14 further education colleges in the area.

Some well-known independent schools in Hampshire are Winchester College, which is one of England's oldest schools, and Bedales School, which was one of the first schools to allow both boys and girls to study together.

The area is home to four universities: the University of Southampton, Solent University, the University of Portsmouth, and the University of Winchester. Some colleges, like Farnborough College of Technology, offer degrees approved by the University of Surrey.

Health

Main article: Healthcare in Hampshire

Hampshire has big hospitals run by the NHS in its cities, plus smaller hospitals in many towns. There are also private hospitals. Two main NHS groups help manage health services: Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust looks after public health, and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust takes care of hospital care.

Culture, arts and sport

Flag

The Flag of Hampshire became official in 2019. It was added to a special list of flags after support from local leaders and groups. The special day to celebrate this flag is July 15, known as St Swithun's Day. St Swithun was an important leader from long ago.

Music

Hampshire has many music groups and orchestras. Famous musician Laura Marling grew up here. There is also a youth choir and orchestra based in Winchester, which has traveled to places like Canada and Italy.

Museums

Hampshire has many interesting museums. In Winchester, you can learn about times long ago, from the Iron Age to the Victorian era. There is also a museum about airplanes, a museum about ships including the Titanic, and a museum about cars. You can even visit places related to famous explorers and sailors.

Annual events

Every year, there are fun events like the New Forest and Hampshire County Show. There are also big gatherings for different communities and spring festivals at historical farms.

Buildings and protected monuments

Hampshire has many important buildings protected by law, from statues and churches to castles. There are also special parks, gardens, and even old battlefields that people can visit and learn about history.

Sport

Cricket started in Hampshire, and the Hampshire County Cricket Club is one of the best teams. The main cricket ground is called the Rose Bowl. Hampshire is also good at sailing, with many places to enjoy the water. There are teams for football too, like Portsmouth and Southampton, and places for racing cars and gliding.

Media

Television

Television news for Hampshire is shown on BBC South Today and ITV Meridian. There is also a local station called That's Hampshire.

Radio

You can listen to local radio stations like BBC Radio Solent and many others that play music and news for the community.

Press

There are daily newspapers in Southampton and Portsmouth, and weekly papers all over the county.

Notable people

For a more comprehensive list, see List of notable people from Hampshire.

Hampshire has been home to many famous people. The Duke of Wellington lived in the northern part of the county. Another important figure was Florence Nightingale, a famous Victorian who was buried in Hampshire.

The county has strong ties to literature. Authors like Jane Austen, Wilbert Awdry, and Charles Dickens either were born there or lived there. Jane Austen spent most of her life in Hampshire and wrote her novels there. Alice Liddell, who inspired Lewis Carroll’s book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, lived near Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

Hampshire also has connections to art. Painters such as John Everett Millais, L. S. Lowry, and J. M. W. Turner have all created works featuring the area. The naturalist Gilbert White lived in Selborne. Many well-known broadcasters and journalists, including Philippa Forrester, Amanda Lamb, and Scott Mills, come from Hampshire.