Hampshire

Hampshire is a large county on the south coast of England. It's known for its national parks, stately homes, and maritime history. The county's coastline includes Southampton and Portsmouth, two of Europe's largest ports.^[1]

The population of Hampshire is 1,416,808 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Hampshire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 0.8% per year. Hampshire covers an area of 3,679 square kilometres (1,420 square miles) and has a population density of 385 people per square kilometre (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[2] Hampshire is bordered by Berkshire to the north, Surrey to the north-east, West Sussex to the east, Dorset to the west, and Wiltshire to the north-west. The county town is Winchester.^[3]

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Hampshire: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsHampshire: landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

Hampshire is home to spectacular landscapes of rolling chalk hills and downlands, scarps and valleys stretching over to The Solent and Isle of Wight on the coast.^[4]

While Hampshire lacks the traditional image of industrial landscapes, it has a rich and significant industrial past. iron smelting at Beaulieu Manor and the revolutionary ironworking technique developed by Henry Cort at Fontley. Even after heavy industry shifted north, Hampshire continued to be innovative with the Portsmouth The Hampton dockyards pioneered the use of production lines for shipbuilding. Foundries also played a crucial role, supporting agriculture and other industries by creating essential machinery. Modern Hampshire has a diverse economy with many prominent industries in aerospace and defense, finance, digital, marine and maritime, and life sciences. ^[5]

In the mid-19th century, agriculture was the main industry in Hampshire. However, by 1868, the number of people employed in manufacturing had surpassed those in agriculture. The predominant farm types in 2023 were grazing livestock (40% of the region’s holdings) and general cropping (23% of the region’s holdings) farms.^[6] The most important crops in the South East region in 2023 were fruits, wheat, plants and flowers, and milk.^[6]

South Downs National Park stretches across Hampshire, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and historic villages. Meon Valley is a picturesque valley featuring gentle slopes, lush meadows, and charming villages like Meonstoke and Titchfield. The Solent is a waterway that separates the mainland from the Isle of Wight, offering stunning coastal views, marinas, and opportunities for water sports.^[7] The New Forest: This unique national park is a haven for wildlife, with ancient woodlands, heathland, and open grassland.

Hampshire historyHampshire history

Hampshire's rich history stretches back to prehistoric times. Evidence of early human settlement can be found across the county, with significant Bronze Age and Iron Age sites, including hill forts and settlements. The landscape was shaped by these ancient cultures, leaving a lasting imprint on the region.^[8]

The arrival of the Anglo-Saxons in the 5th and 6th centuries marked a new era for Hampshire. They established kingdoms, including Wessex, which would later become a dominant power in England. Winchester, the county town, served as the capital of Wessex and a center of Anglo-Saxon culture and power.

The Romans arrived in Hampshire in the 1st century AD, establishing significant settlements like Calleva Atrebatum (modern-day Silchester) and Venta Belgarum (Winchester). Roman roads connected these towns to other parts of the Roman Empire, facilitating trade and cultural exchange. Roman influence is still evident in the region's archaeology and place names.

The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought significant changes to Hampshire. The county's strategic location and rich resources made it attractive to Norman lords, who built castles and established manors. Winchester continued to be a major center of power and culture, and Southampton emerged as a thriving port city.^[9]

The Middle Ages in Hampshire county saw periods of prosperity and hardship. The wool trade flourished, and Southampton became a key port for trade with Europe.^[10] However, the county also faced challenges, including wars, plagues, and social unrest.^[11]

The Tudor period in the 16th century brought further changes to Hampshire. Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries had a significant impact on the county's religious landscape and economy. Southampton remained a major port, and Portsmouth's naval importance grew.^[12]

The 17th century was a tumultuous time, marked by civil war and political upheaval. Hampshire played a role in these events, with battles fought on its soil. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought relative stability, and the county's economy continued to grow.^[13]

The 18th century in saw further industrialization and urbanization in Hampshire. The textile industry, particularly in the Andover area, expanded, and the port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth continued to thrive. The county's rural areas also experienced change, with the enclosure movement altering traditional agricultural practices.^[14]

The 19th century was a period of significant transformation for Hampshire. The Industrial Revolution brought new industries and opportunities, while the railway network improved transportation and connectivity. Southampton expanded as a major port, and Portsmouth's naval dockyards became increasingly important.^[15] The Victorian era saw a growth in population and urbanization. New towns and suburbs developed, and the county's infrastructure improved. However, this period also brought challenges, such as poverty, overcrowding, and social inequality.^[16]

The 20th century was a time of great change for Hampshire. The county played a crucial role in both World Wars, with significant military activity and industrial production. The post-war period saw economic growth and social change, with new housing developments and increased car ownership.^[17]

In recent decades, Hampshire has experienced a diverse range of social and economic changes. The county has attracted investment and development, particularly in the technology and financial sectors. It remains a popular destination for tourists, with its historic towns, beautiful countryside, and coastal resorts.^[18]

Hampshire parishes and unparished areasHampshire parishes and unparished areas

Hampshire County, England, has 268 civil parishes. The unparished areas in Hampshire include the former Basingstoke Municipal Borough, Fareham Urban District, Gosport Municipal Borough, Havant and Waterloo Urban District, Southsea Civil Parish, Portsmouth County Borough, Aldershot Municipal Borough, Farnborough Urban District, Southampton County Borough, and Winchester Municipal Borough. These areas are now part of the modern districts of Rushmoor, Southampton, Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport, and Fareham.

Hampshire geographyHampshire geography

85% of Hampshire is defined as rural and over a third of the county’s area is within National Parks or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty^[19]

Hampshire geography includes a broad belt of rolling chalk downland runs across the middle of the county from east to west, sometimes reaching heights of over 800 feet.^[20] It also includes Tertiary clays, sands, and gravels in areas that are often covered by heath and woodland, and lie to the north and south of the chalk downlands. The Weald is an area in the east of the county with scarps and vales, and contains the oldest rocks in Hampshire. The area along the south coast of Hampshire is made up of Eocene and Oligocene clays and gravels, and is protected from erosion by the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. The basin includes the New Forest, Wareham Forest, and Arne, as well as the large south coast settlements of Bournemouth, Southampton, and Portsmouth.^[21] There is a narrow strait that separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland called the Solent.^[22]

Hampshire has numerous canals and rivers. The River Hamble is a major recreational harbor adjoining Southampton Water on the south coast of England.^[23]

Researching family history in Hampshire =Researching family history in Hampshire =

The Hampshire County Archives has a catalog of over one million records. The Hampshire Genealogical Society, founded in 1974, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging family history research in the county of Hampshire, England. Uncover your ancestry for free at Hampshire Libraries from the Hampshire County Council. Hampshire Family History contains local resources for research. Genuki: Hampshire has history and links essential to family history research in Hampshire.

Ethnicities in HampshireEthnicities in Hampshire

The demographic distribution of the Hampshire population is as follows:^[2]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Hampshire is predominantly white (93%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 7% of the population. English is spoken as the main language by 95.7% of people in Hampshire, and spoken either well or very well by 3.6% of the population. 0.5% reported having poor English language skills, and the remaining 0.2% spoke no English at all.

In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Hampshire, 2021 census:

White - 1,296,733 people or 92.6%
Asian - 52,542 people or 3.8%
Mixed - 26,198 people or 1.9%
Black - 14,305 people or 1.0%
Other - 11,121 people or 0.8%

Surnames in HampshireSurnames in Hampshire

The demographic distribution of Hampshire surnames is as follows:^[24]

Surname	Incidence	Frequency
Smith	22,212	1:82
Jones	12,249	1:149
Taylor	9,264	1:197
Williams	9,158	1:199
Brown	9,137	1:199
White	8,053	1:226
Harris	5,795	1:314
Martin	5,644	1:323
Davies	5,542	1:329
Wilson	5,529	1:329

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage.com has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[1] An Introduction to Hampshire

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Hampshire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[3] Hampshire | England, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica

[4] Hampshire Landscape a Short History

[5] Business Sectors in Hampshire

[:1-6] 6.0 ^6.1 Agricultural facts: South East (including London) region

[7] Solent Forum - Our Coastal Zone

[8] A History of Hampshire | Hampshire before the Roman Occupation

[9] The History of Hampshire After 1066 – Wilcuma

[10] Port of Southampton: History, Significance & Future| Shoreside

[11] Hampshire During the Black Death – Wilcuma

[12] How Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries traumatized Tudor England

[13] The English Civil Wars: Origins, Events and Legacy

[14] The 18th Century – Wilcuma

[15] British Industrial Revolution

[16] Victorian Period – Hampshire History

[17] An Introduction to 20th-Century England (1901–2000)

[18] Why Hampshire?

[19] Key Facts about Hampshire and Hampshire County Council

[20] Ups and Downs of English Chalk Grasslands

[21] The Hampshire Basin and adjacent areas

[22] The Solent | England, Map, & Facts | Britannica

[23] Using the river

[24] Most Common Surnames in Hampshire, With Meanings

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