DENMEAD

Denmead is a modern, vibrant village of 7,000 inhabitants in South East Hampshire, some 8 miles north of Portsmouth.

Denmead past

Denmead was originally linked to the adjoining village of Hambledon as, in the Doomsday survey, the land on which Denmead stands was part of the Hambledon Hundred. Only since 1932 has Denmead been officially recognised as a separate civil parish; previously the area was known as Barn Green, from the small triangular green in the village.

Once a widely scattered farming community, there have been many new properties built since the Second World War. The village does retain, however, its rural character and separate identity, and is surrounded by the historic Forest of Bere, open fields and arable land; to the south and west is SE Hampshire’s area of outstanding natural beauty.

Denmead today

Today the village is a busy community. Two churches, schools, medical centre, banks and many shops provide for everyday living; pubs, restaurants and the community centre give a focus for social occasions; the golf course, tennis courts, bowling club and riding/stabling facilities provide sporting facilities for all ages.

Work opportunities are diverse: IBM and defence (Royal Navy and establishments) have predominated for many years; nowadays, the employment profile is more varied with many people working locally (in the light industrial area, the business park and small businesses) and in the nearby towns and cities of Portsmouth and Southampton.

The village is a popular place to live and is working hard to retain its separate identity. The strength of the local community is a major contributory factor to this.