Hampstead Norreys

Civil Parish in Berkshire

England

Hampstead Norreys

New house on Forge Hill, Hampstead Norreys
New house on Forge Hill, Hampstead Norreys Credit: David Howard

Hampstead Norreys is a civil parish located in Berkshire, England. Situated approximately six miles north of Newbury, it covers an area of around 2.48 square miles. The parish is made up of the village of Hampstead Norreys and the surrounding countryside.

The village of Hampstead Norreys has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Iron Age. It is known for its charming, traditional English countryside setting, featuring picturesque thatched cottages, a 13th-century church, and a village green. The village retains a strong sense of community, with various local events and activities organized throughout the year.

The surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes, with rolling hills, woodlands, and meadows. The area is popular among outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for walking, cycling, and horse riding. There are also several nature reserves nearby, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife.

Hampstead Norreys has a small population, with approximately 500 residents. The village boasts a primary school, a village shop, a post office, and a pub, providing essential amenities for the local community. For additional services and amenities, residents can easily access nearby towns such as Newbury and Thatcham.

Overall, Hampstead Norreys is a tranquil and idyllic village in Berkshire, offering a peaceful countryside lifestyle while still being within reach of larger towns and cities.

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Hampstead Norreys Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.485203/-1.253346 or Grid Reference SU5176. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

New house on Forge Hill, Hampstead Norreys
New house on Forge Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Forge Hill at the junction of Yattendon Road
Forge Hill at the junction of Yattendon Road
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Houses on Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Houses on Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Wyld Court Hill, Hampstead Norreys
Barn, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire
Barn, Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire
Banterwick Farm
Banterwick Farm
Hampstead Norreys Recreation Ground Since the dawn of time young people have always found a space to play a game and older ones a pleasant spot to sit and natter. But it was the industrial revolution that necessitated a more structured approach to recreational spaces, the idea that those who could do so should provide positive leisure experiences for the less well off. One of the by-products of the great Public Health Act of 1848 was the purposely built park. In 1847, Birkenhead opened a facility designed by the noted landscape architect Joseph Paxton. By 1870 the Mayor of Manchester, John Grave, could say of a new facility: “It is a park of the people. The people have made it; the people have paid for it; and the people will use it.”  Thus, such places became focal points for space starved communities. The paintings of LS Lowry spring to mind. 

Progress in this area ebbs and flows. In 1936 the King George V Playing Fields Scheme to create new sites got under way, but by the 1980s schools were being encouraged to sell their fields to pay for refurbishments. Fast forward another generation and the collective anxiety about child and adult obesity has seen the pendulum swing again. As Nick Piercey of Manchester  Metropolitan University observes: space for recreation is not neutral but shaped by our  past, present and future concerns.
Hampstead Norreys Recreation Ground
Since the dawn of time young people have always found a space to play a game and older ones a pleasant spot to sit and natter. But it was the industrial revolution that necessitated a more structured approach to recreational spaces, the idea that those who could do so should provide positive leisure experiences for the less well off. One of the by-products of the great Public Health Act of 1848 was the purposely built park. In 1847, Birkenhead opened a facility designed by the noted landscape architect Joseph Paxton. By 1870 the Mayor of Manchester, John Grave, could say of a new facility: “It is a park of the people. The people have made it; the people have paid for it; and the people will use it.” Thus, such places became focal points for space starved communities. The paintings of LS Lowry spring to mind. Progress in this area ebbs and flows. In 1936 the King George V Playing Fields Scheme to create new sites got under way, but by the 1980s schools were being encouraged to sell their fields to pay for refurbishments. Fast forward another generation and the collective anxiety about child and adult obesity has seen the pendulum swing again. As Nick Piercey of Manchester Metropolitan University observes: space for recreation is not neutral but shaped by our past, present and future concerns.
Churchyard Entrance The entrance to the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys
Churchyard Entrance
The entrance to the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys
St Mary's Church St Mary's Church Hampstead Norreys
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church Hampstead Norreys
Notice board and Arch The church notice board and what looks like a new arch since I came here last
Notice board and Arch
The church notice board and what looks like a new arch since I came here last
Things in the Trees Looking along the path in the churchyard at St Mary's Hampstead Norreys where there are things hanging in the trees
Things in the Trees
Looking along the path in the churchyard at St Mary's Hampstead Norreys where there are things hanging in the trees
Hanging in the Tree Could not tell you what they are called but they are hanging in the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys, turns out the village had some occasion going on
Hanging in the Tree
Could not tell you what they are called but they are hanging in the churchyard at Hampstead Norreys, turns out the village had some occasion going on
Still there The two graves are still here in Hampstead Norreys churchyard and not pushed over by the tree yet <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2711229">SU5276 : Pushed over by a tree</a>
Still there
The two graves are still here in Hampstead Norreys churchyard and not pushed over by the tree yet SU5276 : Pushed over by a tree
The Bell Tower St Mary's belltower from the end of the churchyard
The Bell Tower
St Mary's belltower from the end of the churchyard
Towards the Top View towards the top of St Mary's churchyard in Hampstead Norreys though since my last visit I see some fencing has been placed round one grave for safety reasons
Towards the Top
View towards the top of St Mary's churchyard in Hampstead Norreys though since my last visit I see some fencing has been placed round one grave for safety reasons
Under the Tree Part of St Mary's churchyard which is situated under the trees on the west end
Under the Tree
Part of St Mary's churchyard which is situated under the trees on the west end
Show me another place!

Hampstead Norreys is located at Grid Ref: SU5176 (Lat: 51.485203, Lng: -1.253346)

Unitary Authority: West Berkshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///brittle.releasing.scrapped. Near Hermitage, Berkshire

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