Hook, Hampshire

Not to be confused with Hook-near-Warsash

Hook
Hampshire
House in Hook Lane, Hook
Location
Grid reference:	SU722537
Location:	51°16’38"N, 0°57’48"W
Data
Population:	7,770  (2011)
Post town:	Hook
Postcode:	RG27
Dialling code:	01256
Local Government
Council:	Hart
Parliamentary constituency:	North East Hampshire

Hook is a large village in north-eastern Hampshire, sitting six miles east of Basingstoke on the A30 trunk road, just north of Junction 5 of the M3 motorway. It is a commuter town with good rail and road transport links to London and has expanded accordingly.

In 2019, Hook had an estimated population of 8,208. Between 2004 and 2006, Hook expanded eastwards with the development of the Holt Park, Hook|Holt Park residential district, and from 2020 northeastwards with the Green Hart Park and Oakwood Grange developments.

History

Until the 18th century, only a few scattered farms could be found in the area; small hamlets did not begin to appear until inns sprung up to serve travellers. Hook was located on the main London to Exeter stagecoach route. In the late eighteenth century, a turnpike road was constructed to aid the navigation of the steep Scures Hill, to the west of the village. In 1883, Hook railway station was constructed, and the village began to grow with railway workers and commuters settling in Hook.

Early-Mid 20th century

St John the Evangelist Parish Church was completed in 1938, replacing the 'tin tabernacle' used by worshippers since 1886. The new church was designed by Edward Maufe and shows in small scale design features that would later be incorporated by him into Guildford Cathedral. Even the Cathedral fund raising scheme of "buying a brick" was first utilised at Hook, where the Church retains an impressive list of donors and benefactors. Hook also has a Roman Catholic church and an Evangelical Church: the latter now known as Life Churchwas originally paid for by the family who founded Burberry; founder Thomas Burberry being a Baptist who died in Hook. The present Life Church Centre was opened in 2011.

Hook being a hamlet in the village of Odiham before 1955; the distinct ecclesiastical parish of Hook was not created before then. It was only in 1943 that permission was given for burials in Hook itself.

Post Second World War History

Hook was considered as part of a scheme to settle Londoners in the country after the Second World War, but nearby Basingstoke was selected for development instead. Recently, the village has grown in size considerably, with new housing developments being constructed.

Although within six miles of the far larger town of Basingstoke to the west, Hook's development since the 1980s has been rapid. Calls have been made to redevelop the 'village' centre as Hook has few amenities for its size, as it is now generally considered as a town in terms of its population and urban expanse.

Affluence is high due to surrounding rural areas, estates. Nearby stands Tylney Hall Park, which is a Grade II* listed building. Nearby too is Hook Common, a large mixture of forest and heathland, coupled with excellent transport links.

Events

There are several annual and monthly community events held in the village:

• The Hook Fun Run & Road Race, which attracts over 1,200 runners on the third Sunday in May every year.
• Hook Flower and Produce Show in September each year
• Hook Books at The Elizabeth Hall monthly community pop-up Library
• Hook Summer Fair - July each year
• HSPA Fireworks Display
• HSPA Christmas Fair
• Hook Cracker on the first Saturday in December, hosted by St John the Evangelist Church
• Hook Beer Festival - May each year
• Off The Hook Fest

Media

• Hook Focus, published since 1973. Hook. Focus is managed by Hook volunteers and is independent of all other bodies.

Pictures

Hook Common

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Outside links

("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Hook, Hampshire)

• Hook Fun Run & Road Race
• Hook Parish Council
• Life Church
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• St John's Church