OS grid reference SU646150 Region South East Sovereign state United Kingdom Local time Wednesday 10:36 AM Dialling code 023 | Civil parish Hambledon Country England Shire county Hampshire District City of Winchester UK parliament constituency Meon Valley | |
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Population 947 (2001 census)
962 (2011 Census) Weather 11°C, Wind NE at 8 km/h, 85% Humidity | ||
Hambledon is a small village and civil parish in the county of Hampshire in England, situated about 15 miles (24 km) north of Portsmouth.
Map of Hambledon, Waterlooville, UK
Hambledon is best known as the 'Cradle of Cricket'. It is thought that Hambledon Club, one of the oldest cricket clubs known, was formed about 1750. Hambledon was England's leading cricket club from about 1765 until the formation of MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) in 1787.
The famous Bat and Ball Inn in Hyden Farm Lane, is next to the historic cricket ground at Broadhalfpenny Down where the Hambledon club originally played. The inn was run by Richard Nyren, who was also captain of the club. The modern Hambledon Cricket Club's ground is at Ridge Meadow, about 0.5 miles (800 m) away.
Hambledon is a rural village surrounded by fields and woods. There are about 400 households with just under 1,000 residents. The nearest villages are Clanfield, Chidden and Denmead.
There is a school, Hambledon Primary School, recently rated as 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.
The parish church, St Peter's and St Paul's, dates from the 13th century and is built on the site of a Saxon church. Admiral Sir Erasmus Gower, governor of Newfoundland, is buried in the church. The regimental colours of the Hambledon Volunteers during the Napoleonic Wars hang over the south aisle. The Georgian old Vicarage is Grade II listed and noted for its fine Dutch gables.