Fleet, Hampshire

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<mapframe text="Current map of Fleet" width=282 height=282 zoom=13 latitude=51.2834 longitude=-0.8456 />

Fleet is a town and civil parish in the Hart District of Hampshire, England, centred Template:Convert south-west of London and Template:Convert east of Basingstoke, near the towns of Farnborough, Aldershot and Farnham. The town is sometimes referred to as Fleet and Crookham,<ref name="Roe" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> as the urban development is continuous and inseparable between Fleet, Church Crookham and Crookham Village, while the civil parish of Fleet Town Council manages Fleet town centre and its surrounding areas.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

It is the largest town of the Hart District and features several major technology business areas, fast rail links to London, and a nearby connection to the M3 motorway. The nearby motorway service station, Fleet services, is named after the town. Fleet railway station is the only railway station in the town, providing direct commuter services to major cities such as London, Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth. The Basingstoke Canal runs through the town; once a major transport route for goods, it has become a leisure route and an important habitat for waterfowl.

The Fleet town has a total population of 44,822 in 2021,<ref>Template:Cite web Search following areas:

  • Fleet Central Ward
  • Fleet East Ward
  • Fleet West Ward
  • Crookham East Ward
  • Crookham West and Ewshot Ward</ref> during the pandemic, and includes the contiguous parishes of Church Crookham, Crookham Village, Dogmersfield, Elvetham Heath, as well as Ewshot. The town has a prominent golf club, an athletics club and two major football clubs.

Major annual events in the town include Fleet Half Marathon,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fleet Carnival,<ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Music on The Views,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lions Firework Fiesta,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Remembrance Sunday<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Fleet Christmas Festival.<ref name=":8">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Local landmarks include Fleet Pond, the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire, and a High Street featuring many Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Major civic services are located in Fleet town centre, including Fleet Library and The Harlington, a community arts and civic centre.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite web</ref> A weekly Saturday market is held in Gurkha Square, in front of the library.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The eastern end of Fleet is occupied by the Aldershot and Minley training areas, which are covered by forest and heathland and managed by the Ministry of Defence.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> This stretch of natural habitat separates Fleet from the built-up areas of Aldershot and Farnborough. Much of the land remains publicly accessible.<ref name=":2" />

Etymology

Local historian Ted Roe, in his 1975 book Mainly about Old Fleet and Crookham, provided an account of Fleet. He wrote: Template:Blockquote He referred to Fleet as the stream, now sometimes called Fleet Brook, that runs north out of Fleet Pond.<ref name="Roe" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its waters would eventually flow into the River Thames. And he further noted that Fleet Pond was a source of supply of fish for the monks at Winchester, in Medieval times.<ref name="Roe" />

Richard Coates, offering a different explanation, in his 1989 book The Place-Names of Hampshire: Based on the Collection of the English Place-Name Society, provided two sources: 1313 Flete and 1505 le Flete(brige), Fletepondes. Rather than referring to a stream, he suggested that "Fleet" referred to Fleet Pond, the large natural pond. It originated from Old English/Middle English flēot, a word that typically means a creek or stretch of salt water but occasionally refers to inland features like Fleet Pond.<ref name=":3">Template:Cite book</ref>

He also provided an account of the suburb of Pondtail (referred to as Pondtails in his book). In 1826, Pondtail Farm was situated near the point where a stream, namely Gelvert Stream, feeds Fleet Pond.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The term "Tail" is a common feature in minor place names, particularly in Sussex. He further described the ground in the area as a large stretch of drift, surrounded by soils of the Holidays Hill Association,<ref name=":3" /> a type of soil associated with Holidays Hill in the New Forest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a side note, the characteristics of this association are as follows:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite map</ref> Template:Blockquote The type of soil is reflected in place names such as Blacklake Copse(now Tavistock Infant School and All Saints School),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Aunt's Pool Hill (near Aldershot Road in Tweseldown)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and The Flash (now Waterfront Business Park; from Middle English flasshe, meaning 'swamp')<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in Fleet. He finally pointed out that, with this type of soil, streams drain into Fleet Pond and do not escape again.<ref name=":3" />

Alternative brief accounts include:

  • Fleet Hants. was known as Le Flete in Crondall (1506), according to The concise Oxford dictionary of English place-names (1960) <ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Fleet Hants. was recorded as Flete in 1313, from Old English flēot, means (place at) the stream, pool, or creek, according to A Dictionary of British Place Names (2011).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Old English flēot, the stream, or the pool, according to Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Place Names (2020).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
  • Middle English flete ‘estuary, watercourse’, derived from Old English flēot, according to Concise Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain (2021).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Geography

Location

Fleet is located in Hart District, in the northeast of Hampshire, South East England, at coordinate Template:Coord to be exact. To the northwest is Hartley Wintney, while to the northeast lie Blackwater and Hawley. To the east, it borders Rushmoor, namely Farnborough and Aldershot. To the south, it is adjacent to Ewshot and Crondall, also Waverley of Farnham, Surrey. To the west, it is bordered by Dogmersfield and Winchfield.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite map Online map provides option to show the current various boundaries in Hart District.</ref>

Scope

Fleet town

The boundaries of Fleet town encompass both the built-up area and its surrounding regions. Roughly speaking, the M3 motorway marks the northern boundary. From Junction 4A in the northeast, the boundary follows the A327 road, Kennel's Lane, Old Ively Road (now part of Cody Technology Park), and the Basingstoke Canal, forming part of the eastern boundary. It then continues southwards through Tweseldown, Beacon Hill and Caesar’s Camp in military training area. The southern boundary lies in Ewshot and meets the River Hart, which then forms the western boundary of Fleet.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">Template:Cite book</ref>

In modern times, the straight line of the M3 motorway is considered the northern boundary of Fleet town. However, prior to aligning with the M3, the Fleet Urban District Council naturally bordered Minley Brook, and the Fleet Wastewater Treatment Works lay within the former boundary, as did the eastbound Fleet Services. They now fall within Hartley Wintney.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> Conversely, to the east of Fleet Brook, which was once part of Hawley, the alignment with the M3 has resulted in this area now being part of Fleet.<ref name=":6" />

Hart District Council divides Fleet town into several neighbourhoods in planning, namely Elvetham Heath and Ancells Farm, West Fleet, Fleet Town Centre, Pondtail, South Fleet, Church Crookham Estate and Basingstoke Canal Conservation Area.<ref>Template:Cite map</ref><ref name=":5" /> Another map shows additional neighbourhoods, Gally Hill Road, Sandy Lane Triangle, Zebon Copse Area and Queen Elizabeth Barracks and Environs.<ref>Template:Cite map</ref>

There is no definitive guide to the exact boundaries or areas of Fleet town, apart from ever-changing election wards. By direction, roughly speaking:<ref name=":4" />

  • The northern parts of Fleet include Elvetham Heath, Ancells Farm, Bramshot Farm and Bramshot Country Park.
  • The eastern parts consist of Hartland Park, Hartland Village, Hartland Country Park and part of Cody Technology Park of Pyestock, along with Velmead Common, Twelsedown and Beacon Hill.
  • To the south, it is Crookham Park, Quetta Park, Naishes Lane SANGs and Redfields.
  • The western area includes Albany Park, Zebon Copse, Crookham Village, Hareshill, Edenbrook Village, Edenbrook and Edenbrook Country Park.
  • Apart from Fleet Pond, the core of the built-up area encompasses Fleet Town Centre, Victoria Hill, Pondtail, Velmead, Calthorpe Park, Hitches Hill, Dinorben, Court Moor, Church Crookham and Gally Hill.

Fleet parish

The civil parish of Fleet Town Council covers the northern part of the town, excluding Elvetham Heath, which has its own parish council.<ref name=":5" /> To the south, the northern part of Church Crookham falls under the administration of Fleet Town Council.

The boundary with Church Crookham Parish Council starts in the east at Norris Bridge Gyratory on the Basingstoke Canal and ends near Netherhouse Moor along the same canal. Key features along the boundary include Pondtail Bridge, Velmead Road, Fleet Infant School, Velmead Junior School, Velmead Common, Florence Road, Reading Road South, Award Road, The Grange Estate, Basingbourne Park, Wickham Place, Wickham Road, Coxheath Road, and Coxheath Road Bridge. Near Netherhouse Moor, the boundary meets that of Crookham Village Parish Council.<ref name=":4" />

The boundary with Crookham Village Parish Council starts as above and ends in the River Hart. Key features along the boundary include Netherhouse Moor, covered Sandy Lane Ditch, The Lea, Hareshill and Edenbrook Country Park. At the River Hart, the boundary meets that of Dogmersfield.<ref name=":4" />

Topography

Fleet Town is situated on the southern edge of the London Basin, or the Thames Basin, where surface water is collected into the River Thames.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Streams in the town flows northwards.<ref name=":37">Template:Cite book</ref>

Hills

Fleet is completely inland and has no mountains, but that does not mean it is entirely flat. Named hills appears in maps includes Caesars Camp, Pyestock Hill,<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Tweseldown Hill, Norris Hill, Aunt Pool Hill, Victoria Hill, Gally Hill (Crookham Knoll),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beacon Hill, The Mounts and others.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Waterbodies

Fleet Pond is the most prominent waterbody in Fleet, covering a surface area of 48.3 hectares. It has been designated to aSite of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve. Historically, it is believed to have been a fish pond built to supply the monks of Winchester during the medieval period. The Saxons referred to it as Fuglemere, meaning "wildfowl lake."<ref name="Roe" />

The Basingstoke Canal was originally a waterway connecting Basingstoke to the Wey Navigation at West Byfleet, but following the collapse of Greywell Tunnel, it was shortened to its current terminus near Odiham Castle, upstream.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fleet can sail downstream to the Wey Navigation, which eventually leads to the River Thames. The winding hole in Fleet is located around Pondtail Bridge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Boats can berth at Reading Road Wharf<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> or Fox and Hounds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The River Hart is the main river in Fleet, forming its western boundary. Originating in Crondall, it flows through Fleet, joining Fleet Brook on its way towards the River Thames. On average, its water level is around half a metre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The streams in Fleet are narrow, shallow, and unnavigable. Ordnance Survey usually typically refers to the streams in the area as Fleet Brook, <ref name=":4" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but alternative names exist. Some streams are known by different names, such as Gelvert Stream, Brookly Stream and Sandy Lane Ditch.<ref name=":4" />

Roads

The M3 motorway runs along the northern border of Fleet town, connecting Southampton to London via Winchester.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The nearest access to the M3 from Fleet is Junction 4A Minley, via the A327 road. In Fleet, the Fleet Services are located to the north of Elvetham Heath, directly on the motorway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

There are several numbered A roads and B roads in Fleet town, includes A287 road, A323 road, A327 road, A3013 road, B3010 road, B3013 road and B3014 road.

The A287 road connects Hook and Haslemere, passing along the southern edge of Fleet town. To reach the built-up area around Church Crookham, one can take either Beacon Hill Road (B3013) or Redfields Lane, or alternatively, use Corndall Road and Hitches Lane to access Hareshill and Edenbrook via Crookham Village.<ref name=":4" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The A323 road connects Hartley Wintney and Guildford, passing through the southern end of Fleet Town Centre. The road reach multiple destinations in the town, including Hartland Village, Cody Technology Park, Pondtail, Church Crookham, Edenbrook and Elvetham Heath. From Aldershot to Hartley Wintney, the route consists of Fleet Road (Aldershot), Norris Hill Road, Aldershot Road (Pondtail and South Fleet), Reading Road South, Oaksheaf Crossroads in the town centre, Reading Road North and Fleet Road (Hartley Wintney). It meets Kings Road (B3010) near Pondtail Bridge and Reading Road South (B3013) near Reading Road Bridge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

The A327 road connects Reading and Farnborough, serving northeastern corner of the town and providing the only access to the M3 motorway. In Fleet, it begin with Junction 4A Minley, crossing Fleet Road (Cove) and South West Main Line railway over a bridge before continuing into Pyestock Roundabout and Southwood.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

The A3013 road connects Farnborough and Fleet. It begins at the A327 road near Cove Services and ends at Oaksheaf Crossroads in the town centre. The route includes Cove Road, Minley Road, and Fleet Road (town centre). The road provides access to Bramshot Farm, Fleet Pond, Ancells Farm, Elvetham Heath (via Minley Road B3013), Fleet railway station, Waterfront Business Park, and Fleet Town Centre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

The B3010 road, known as Kings Road in Fleet, starts at the junction with Aldershot Road (A323) and Norris Hill Road (A323), and ends at Fleet Road (A3013) in the northern part of the Town Centre.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

The B3013 road connects Minley and Ewshot in two sections: Minley Road, which runs from Minley to Fleet Railway Station, and Reading Road South with Beacon Hill Road, which connects Church Crookham to Ewshot. The gap between these sections is filled by Fleet Road (A3013) and Reading Road South (A323). The first section links Elvetham Heath and Ancells Farm, while the second section runs through the built-up area of Church Crookham.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

The B3014 road connects Fleet and Farnborough, running from Cove Services to Farnborough town centre. In Fleet, it includes a short section of Fleet Road (Cove), starting at the junction with the A3013 road.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":4" />

Other unnumbered main roads include Ancells Road, Elvetham Heath Way, Elvetham Road, Hitches Lane, Tavistock Road, Crookham Road, Velmead Road, Ively Road, Kennel's Lane, Aldershort Road (Church Crookham), The Street, Coxheath Road, Gally Hill Road, Sandy Lane, Bourley Road and Redfields Lane.<ref name=":4" />

Geology

The geology the area forms part of the London Basin. The basin formed as a result of compressional tectonics related to the Alpine orogeny during the Palaeogene period and was mainly active between 40 and 60 million years ago. Fleet town is on the southern rim of the basin.

According to the British Geological Survey, the area around Fleet is predominantly composed of sand and gravel, including head gravel, sub-allevial and river terrace deposits.<ref>Template:Cite map</ref> These are characteristics of the Bracklesham Group of the Bagshot Formation,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which consists of shallow, sandy, slightly acidic soils, much of it boggy or covered in gorse and bracken. It held little use for agriculture compared to the long-grazed chalk lands and belts of alluvial areas of the rest of the county.

Nature

Most of Fleet town consists of extensive built-up areas, but there are also quite a few large areas set aside for nature, including Fleet Pond Nature Reserve, Bramshot Farm Country Park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Edenbrook Country Park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hartland Country Park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elvetham Heath Open Spaces and Local Nature Reserve (Elvetham Heath LNR),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Ancells Farm Nature Reserve,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Zebon Copse Local Nature Reserve (Zebon Copse LNR),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Naishes Lane Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (Naishes Lane SANGS).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Beyond the eastern outskirts of the town, the area has been reserved for military use for over a hundred years, namely the Aldershot and Minley training areas. Although not formally designated for nature, the military presence has led to the planting of trees and the preservation of heathlands, which also serve as a barrier to urban development. Most of these areas are publicly accessible.<ref name=":2" />

Apart from the large reserves, there are several significant urban parks with woodlands, including Calthorpe Park,<ref name=":34">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Basingbourne Park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":34" /> Oakley Park,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":34" /> Ancells Farm Park<ref name=":34" /> and Azalea Park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fleet Pond

The Fleet Pond nature reserve is a beauty spot on the northern edge of the town. Fleet Pond is the largest freshwater lake in Hampshire. Being very shallow, Fleet Pond is actively managed and needs regular dredging to avoid it silting up.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In times past, the lake has frozen over, permitting skating.

Climate

Being located in South East England, Fleet has a temperate climate which is generally drier and warmer than the rest of the country. The annual mean temperature is approximately Template:Convert and shows a seasonal and a diurnal variation. January is the coldest month with mean minimum temperatures between Template:Convert. July is the warmest month in the area with average daily maxima around Template:Convert.<ref name="weather">Template:Cite web</ref> Rainfall averages at Template:Convert.

History

View of Fleet Pond. The railway line is about 100 metres to the left of the picture.

The Fleet area has yielded few archaeological finds.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Some have speculated that the Fleet Pond was built by the Romans, and later Saxons named it Fuglemere, meaning "wildfowl lake".<ref name="Roe" /><ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Isaac Taylor's Map of Hampshire (1759) shows three small habitations in the area, namely Crookham Common, that was later to become Fleet.<ref name="Roe" /><ref name=":40" />

The site of Fleet was originally heathland in the northern part of the Crondall Hundred. It either refers to Fleet Pond or a stream flowing north of the pond. The fish in the pond had been taken for the monks in Winchester in Medieval times.<ref name="Roe">Template:Cite book</ref>

According to Taylor’s Map of 1759, the area now occupied by the town of Fleet was once uninhabited land known as Crookham Common, situated between the village of Crookham and Fleet Pond. Two streams ran into the pond and several road ran cross the surrounding wilderness. A range of hills separated the common from Aldershot Common in the east. At this time, Fleet Pond was divided into a large and a small pond by a road, long before the construction of the railway. To the north of the smaller pond stood Fleet Mill, and beyond that lay another range of hills, situated to the south of Yateley Heath.<ref name=":40">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1792, the Basingstoke Canal opened. The canal passed through the town site, but apart from a few inns to serve the passing trade, it had little effect on the locality. Apart from the Farnham to Reading road, the site remained largely undeveloped until the construction of the London and South Western Railway, which opened in 1840. In that year, a church - Christ Church, which was to become the heart of the new ecclesiastical parish of Crookham-cum-Ewshot<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was built midway between the villages of Crookham and Ewshot. This parish included the area that was later to become the separate town of Fleet. The railway company promoted Fleet Pond for a destination for day excursions, and many people came down from London to skate on the Pond during the Winter. This attracted a number of gentry, particularly retired army officers, who moved to the area bounded by Fleet Road, Elvetham Road and Reading Road North,<ref>Hart District Council & Atkins Ltd - Fleet Town Centre Urban Design Framework - Fleet Town Centre Analysis Report November 2006Template:Dead link</ref> and laid the foundations of what was to become known locally as "The Blue Triangle".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

All Saints Church

By 1860, Charles Lefroy, a local squire, commissioned All Saints' Church – in the Blue Triangle area, in memory of his wife who had died in 1857. The architect was William Burges. The ecclesiastical parish of Crookham-cum-Ewshot<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> was split into two in 1862, with the northern section based on All Saints' church becoming the new parish of Fleet. On 22 June 2015, the roof of All Saints' church was destroyed by fire following an arson attack.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The church was returned to a condition where it could hold services by 30 April 2023 when it was reconsecrated.<ref name=BBCopen>Template:Cite news</ref>

The development of Fleet accelerated when the land to the south east of the Blue Triangle was sold for development in 1882. Development on this land was laid out in a grid pattern.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

As part of the Urban District Council (1904 - 1974)

Under the Local Government Act 1894, many of the duties that had previously been shouldered by the ecclesiastical parishes were transferred to new civil parishes, and Crookham, Fleet and Crondall each gained an elected parish council. In 1904, Fleet became an urban district, just ten years after becoming an independent parish. In 1925, and again in 1932, it expanded by taking parts of Elvetham,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> as a result of the Local Government Act 1929, which saw smaller urban districts merge with their surrounding rural districts, with the result that new districts emerged covering rural as well as urban parishes. As a consequence, the Fleet Urban District in 1932 expanded south of the canal and took 45% of the Crookham acreage and 61% of the population, with the rump of the parish of Crookham being returned to Crondall parish.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In addition, a small area of Minley with Hawley, that consequently became the modern development of Ancells Farm, was also transferred to the expanded Fleet Urban District.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As part of the Hart District Council (1974 onwards)

Fleet expanded over the decades, with new residential areas being built at Ancells Farm, Zebon Copse (Church Crookham, Crookham Village and Dogmersfield are included in the built-up area, as per the Government Statistical Service<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>) and Elvetham Heath. Completed in 2008,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elvetham Heath was one of the UK's largest new housing developments at the time, and added some 3,500 inhabitants to Fleet's population, bringing its total population up to around 35,000. This represented a 20% population increase in less than a decade.

Earlier in the 1990s, two developments in Fleet involved a double opening on 10 May 1991; the Hart Shopping Centre, which was opened officially by the Duchess Of York, and the old Hart Leisure Centre on Hitches Lane. The old Hart Leisure Centre was replaced by a new one on the other side of the road in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fleet had been a dormitory town for commuters to London. It now has several business parks, mainly occupied by Information Technology companies.

Politics and administration

Fleet is administered by Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The parliamentary constituency is North East Hampshire. In April 2010, some of the responsibilities of Hart District Council were devolved to three<ref>New Parish Councils Template:Webarchive</ref> new parish councils: Fleet Town Council,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Elvetham Heath Parish Council<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Church Crookham Parish Council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Wards

Fleet and Church Crookham are divided into the following wards: Template:Maplink

  • Fleet Central: Small part of the "Blue Triangle" the late Victorian/Edwardian town centre, and a small part south of the canal that was historically part of Crookham prior to 1976.<ref>Template:Cite work</ref>
  • Fleet East: Pondtail, Ancells Farm and the former Pyestock site (Hartland Village).
  • Fleet West: Large part of the "Blue Triangle", Elvetham Heath and Edenbrook.
  • Crookham East: Church Crookham estates, Velmead and the Sandy Lane Triangle.
  • Crookham West and Ewshot: Gally Hill, Zebon, Tweseldown, Crookham Park (formerly Queen Elizabeth Barracks), Crookham and Ewshot villages.

Demography

Men in the Fleet North ward had the second highest life expectancy at birth, 89.7 years, of any ward in England and Wales in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Transport

Railway

The town is served by Fleet railway station, which is a stop on the South West Main Line between Template:Rws and Template:Rws. Services are operated by South Western Railway. The standard journey time to Waterloo is about 50 minutes, with express trains achieving around 40 minutes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Buses

Routes are operated by Stagecoach South, providing local routes and facilitating access to surrounding towns such as route no. 10 to Farnborough and route no. 7 to Aldershot.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fleet Connect is a special bus service in Fleet town, operated by Rushmoor Voluntary Services and supported by related councils. The service is designed for those who are unable to drive and with difficulty reaching bus stops. It provides transport to locations such as the High Street (Fleet Road), Morrisons in Elvetham Heath, Redfields Garden Centre and medical appointments within the town. There are special services to The Meadows and Camberley on Wednesdays, and to Sainsbury’s, Asda, B&Q, and other locations in Farnborough on the first Thursday of each month.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Road

Fleet is served by junction 4A of the M3 motorway. Fleet services lies at the edge of the town and is owned by Welcome Break; it was the only service station on the M3 until Winchester services was built in 2001.

Fleet's main road, Fleet Road, runs through the town centre from south-west to north-east.

Air

Fleet town does not have its own airport. Nearby airports, such as Blackbushe Airport in Yateley and Farnborough Airport in Farnborough, do not provide general passenger services. The nearest major airport is Heathrow Airport. Additionally, the Royal Air Force operates RAF Odiham in Odiham, a few miles to the west.

Canal

The Basingstoke Canal, built at the end of the eighteenth century, connected Fleet to Basingstoke and, in the other direction, London via the Wey navigation. By the early twentieth century, the canal had fallen into disrepair; the section between the Wey Navigation and the Greywell Tunnel has since been restored by volunteers and is maintained as a leisure facility.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Education

Schools in Fleet are generally under the administration of Hampshire County Council. Education in Fleet Town consists of infant schools, junior schools and secondary schools, but there is no sixth form provision locally. The nearest sixth form provider is The Sixth Form College Farnborough. Students pursuing further education must attend schools outside the town. In addition, there are numerous pre-school education establishments in the form of pre-schools or nurseries.

The following list of schools is categorised and arranged alphabetically.

Infant schools

An infant school is a school that includes Reception year (Year R) and Years 1 and 2, catering for children aged four to seven years old. Year R follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), while Years 1 and 2 fall under Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum.<ref name=":24">Template:Cite web</ref>

Crookham Church of England Aided Infant School

Crookham Church of England Aided Infant School, commonly referred to as Crookham CE Aided Infant School, is a voluntary aided primary school, registered as number 2229 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":14">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":15">Template:Cite web</ref>

Located on Gally Hill Road, at the junction with Ferndale Road in Church Crookham, it is a Church of England aided school under Diocese of Guildford and is affiliated with the nearby Christ Church Crookham.<ref name=":15" /> It is situated next to Church Crookham War Memorial, directly opposite across Gally Hill Road.

The school does not have a designated catchment area, as admissions are determined by its own policy.<ref name=":14" /> The school is linked to Church Crookham Junior School, and attending the infant school provides priority for admission to the junior school.<ref name=":14" />

Fleet Infant School

Fleet Infant School is a community primary school located on Velmead Road, registered as number 2270 with the Department for Education.<ref name=":16">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":17">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Its motto is: "To try is to achieve, to achieve is to grow."<ref name=":16" />

The school has a charity, the Fleet Infant School Association (FISA), a parent-teacher association registered for fundraising purposes under charity number 1107909 since 2 February 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

A significant part of the school grounds is woodland, which enables pupils to take part in forest school activities. The site is shared with Velmead Junior School and is adjacent to the woodland of Velmead Common, which forms part of the Aldershot and Minley training area and is accessible to the public under Ministry of Defence access arrangements.<ref name=":2" />

The school is linked to Velmead Junior School, and attending the infant school provides priority for admission to the junior school.<ref name=":17" />

The school was the first to be established in Fleet (referring to Fleet parish), beginning in a small cottage on the north side of All Saints Church and founded by the Church of England.<ref name=":18">Template:Cite book</ref> It was later housed in a Victorian building on Albert Street, which fell into disrepair in its later years.<ref name=":19">Template:Cite web</ref> According to the Hampshire Archives, the school was known as Fleet County Infant School between 1970 and 1998.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hopkins Architects also recorded Fleet County Infant School in 1985, when the new school project commenced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In January 1987, the school relocated to a new site on Velmead Road.<ref name=":18" />

The school building, although relatively new, has been designated as a Grade II listed building under the name Fleet Infant School in 6 October 2017.<ref name=":35">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Originally, the new school project named Fleet Velmead Infant School.<ref name=":19" />

Although situated on the northern border of Church Crookham parish, the school's catchment area does not include any residential areas within that parish. Instead, it primarily covers both residential and non-residential areas in the north and east of Fleet parish, as well as some non-residential areas in the parishes of Blackwater and Hawley, as well as Hartley Wintney. It includes a small zone around the school on Velmead Road and covers several residential areas, such as Pondtail, parts of the east and west of Fleet Road in the town centre, Elvetham Road, and Ancells Farm. It also includes some non-residential areas, such as North Hants Golf Club and Bramshot Country Park. The area extends further north beyond the M3 motorway, reaching the A30 and Pale Lane, and stretches eastwards to include land north of Old Ively Road within Cody Technology Park.<ref name=":17" />

Heatherside Infant School

Heatherside Infant School is a community primary school located on Reading Road South, next to the Basingstoke Canal, registered as number 2269 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":20">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It shared the site with Heathside Junior School, and attending the infant school provides priority for admission to the junior school. Heatherside Schools' Association (HSA) is it parent-teacher association.<ref name=":20" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The school was formerly known as Heatherside County Infant School, but its location was later swapped with that of Heatherside County Junior School.

Its catchment area includes the surrounding locality, part of Fleet parish bounded by the Basingstoke Canal and extending southwards to Award Road, as well as part of western Church Crookham parish bounded by Reading Road South and Aldershot Road, reaching into the uninhabited Velmead Common.<ref name=":20" />

Tavistock Infant School

Tavistock Infant School is a community primary school located on Broadacres, Calthorpe Park, registered as number 2324 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":21">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It shared the site with All Saints Junior School but does not have any linked schools.

The school was originally known as North Fleet County Infant School when it opened on 17 April 1972. Upon its official opening on Friday 29 June 1973, it was renamed Tavistock County Infant School due to its proximity to Tavistock Road.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Its catchment area includes western Fleet town up to Elvetham Road, Edenbrook, and Hareshill. It also covers a triangular area of Paleland Farm across the railway, the residential area to the south bounded by the Basingstoke Canal, and a patch of shared catchment area across the canal between Basingbourn Park and Zebon Copse.<ref name=":21" /> Hareshill originated from the Grove Farm development. When this farmland was converted into a residential area, the school catchment changed from Dogmersfield Church of England Primary School to Tavistock Infant School and All Saints Junior School following a proposal in September 2021.<ref name=":25">Template:Cite web</ref>

Tweseldown Infant School

Tweseldown Infant School is a community primary school located on Jubilee Drive inside Crookham Park, registered as number 2290 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":23">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The school offers forest school activities as part of its curriculum.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The school was formerly located on Tweseldown Road, sharing a site with Crookham Junior School, from which it took its name. Around January 2012, it relocated to Crookham Park, adjacent to Nepal Gardens. This move allowed Crookham Junior School to expand into the former infant school premises.<ref name=":27">Template:Cite web</ref>

Its catchment area covers most of Church Crookham, bordered to the north by Award Road, Reading Road South, and Aldershot Road, extending south beyond Crookham Park, west to Zebon Copse and Redfields, and east to the military training area.<ref name=":23" />

Junior schools

A junior school is a school that includes Years 3, 4, 5, and 6, catering for children aged seven to eleven years old. All four year groups fall under Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum.<ref name=":24" />

All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School

All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School, commonly referred to as All Saints Junior School, is a voluntary aided primary school located on Leawood Road, registered as number 3330 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":26">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It shared the site with Tavistock Infant School, which was located on the junior school's former playground.

It is a Church of England aided school under Diocese of Guildford and is affiliated with the All Saints Church in the same town within the parish of Fleet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As of December 2023, it has been 150 years since four members of the church established the Fleet Church School, which eventually became the junior school. As a result, a very close relationship exists between the school and the church.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Its catchment area includes western Fleet town up to Elvetham Road, Edenbrook, and Hareshill. It also covers a triangular area of Paleland Farm across the railway, the residential area to the south bounded by the Basingstoke Canal, and a patch of shared catchment area across the canal between Basingbourn Park and Zebon Copse.<ref name=":26" /> Hareshill originated from the Grove Farm development. When this farmland was converted into a residential area, the school catchment changed from Dogmersfield Church of England Primary School to Tavistock Infant School and All Saints Junior School following a proposal in September 2021.<ref name=":25" />

Church Crookham Junior School

Church Crookham Junior School is a community primary school located on Tweseldown Road, registered as number 2229 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":28">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The school was formerly known by several names, including Church Crookham County Junior School, Crookham County Junior School, Crookham Junior School, and informally as Sandy Lane, after the nearby road.<ref name=":28" />

Tweseldown Infant School was built on the playground of Crookham County Junior School. Around January 2012, the infant school was relocated to Crookham Park. This move allowed the junior school to expand into the former infant school premises.<ref name=":27" />

ts catchment area covers most of Church Crookham, bordered to the north by Award Road, Reading Road South, and Aldershot Road, extending south beyond Crookham Park, west to Zebon Copse and Redfields, and east to the military training area.<ref name=":28" />

Heatherside Junior School

Heatherside Junior School is a community primary school located on Reading Road South, registered as number 2278 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":29">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It shared the site with Heathside Infant School.

The school was formerly known as Heatherside County Junior School, but its location was later swapped with that of Heatherside County Infant School.

Its catchment area includes the surrounding locality, part of Fleet parish bounded by the Basingstoke Canal and extending southwards to Award Road, as well as part of western Church Crookham parish bounded by Reading Road South and Aldershot Road, reaching into the uninhabited Velmead Common.<ref name=":29" />

Velmead Junior School

Velmead Junior School is a community primary school located on Velmead Road, registered as number 2339 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It shared the site with Fleet Infant School.

Although situated on the northern border of Church Crookham parish, the school's catchment area does not include any residential areas within that parish. Instead, it primarily covers both residential and non-residential areas in the north and east of Fleet parish, as well as some non-residential areas in the parishes of Blackwater and Hawley, as well as Hartley Wintney. It includes a small zone around the school on Velmead Road and covers several residential areas, such as Pondtail, parts of the east and west of Fleet Road in the town centre, Elvetham Road, and Ancells Farm. It also includes some non-residential areas, such as North Hants Golf Club and Bramshot Country Park. The area extends further north beyond the M3 motorway, reaching the A30 and Pale Lane, and stretches eastwards to include land north of Old Ively Road within Cody Technology Park.

Primary school

A primary school is a school that includes the Reception year (Year R) and Years 1 to 6, catering for children aged four to eleven years old. Year R follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1 and 2 fall under Key Stage 1, and Years 3 to 6 are part of Key Stage 2.<ref name=":24" />

Elvetham Heath Primary School

Elvetham Heath Primary School is a community primary school located on The Key, Elvetham Heath, registered as number 2015 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":30">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":33">Template:Cite web</ref> The school opened on 1st September 2001.<ref name=":33" />

As the only school in the civil parish of Elvetham Heath, its catchment area covers the entire parish.<ref name=":30" />

Secondary schools

A secondary school is a school that includes Years 7 to 11, catering for children aged eleven to sixteen years old. Years 7 to 9 fall under Key Stage 3, while Years 10 and 11 are part of Key Stage 4 of the National Curriculum.<ref name=":24" />

Calthorpe Park School

Calthorpe Park School is a community secondary school located on Hitches Lane, registered as number 4171 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":31">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The school was built between 1967 and 1968, and opened on Wednesday, 3rd September 1969, under the name North Fleet Bilateral School. It was soon renamed Calthorpe Park School, with the official opening taking place on Friday, 18th June 1971. In 1974, two additional blocks were constructed alongside Hart Leisure Centre. Between 2015 and 2019, further buildings were added following the relocation of the leisure centre westwards to Edenbrook.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Its linked schools include All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School, Church Crookham Junior School, Crondall Primary School, Dogmersfield Church of England Primary School, Elvetham Heath Primary School, Heatherside Junior School and Velmead Junior School. Attendance at a linked school may provide priority for admission to this school.<ref name=":31" />

Court Moor School

Court Moor School is a community secondary school located on Spring Woods, registered as number 4117 with the Department for Education.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":32">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The school began in a temporary structure in Heatherside in January 1949, known as Fleet Secondary Modern School. In 1957, Hampshire County Council purchased land and built a new school building. The school moved to the new site in January 1960 and was officially opened as Court Moor School on 11th May 1960. Additional blocks have been constructed over the years to accommodate growing needs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Its linked schools include Crondall Primary School, Church Crookham Junior School, Heatherside Junior School, Velmead Junior School, Dogmersfield Church of England Primary School, and All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School. Attendance at a linked school may support priority admission to this school.<ref name=":32" />

Others

St Nicholas' School

St Nicholas' School is an independent girls' school located in Redfields House on Redfields Lane, offering nursery, infant, junior, and senior education, but without a sixth form.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The school was established on Branksomewood Road in Fleet town centre by Helen Pritchard and Angela McKenzie in 1935. It is named after Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of children and seafarers. In 1952, the motto "Confirma Domine Serviendo", meaning "Strengthen us, Lord, by our service", was adopted. In 1996, the school moved to Redfields House in Church Crookham. Redfields House is a Victorian mansion, and the new site encompasses 30 acres of land.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Healthcare

The National Health Service (NHS) operates Fleet Hospital, also known as Fleet Community Hospital, in the town, under Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. Opened in 1897, it provides a range of healthcare services to the local community, but does not offer Accident and Emergency (A&E) service. Patients requiring emergency care are transported to the nearest A&E hospital, Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. Services at Fleet Hospital include breast surgery, dermatology, diabetic medicine, ear, nose and throat (ENT), endocrinology and metabolic medicine, gastrointestinal and liver services, geriatric medicine, gynaecology, nephrology, and rheumatology. The hospital also offers outpatient services, physiotherapy, and X-ray facilities, and general surgery, heart failure service, imaging, older people's medicine, orthotics (surgical appliances), pain management, radiology, speech and language therapy, surgical appliances, ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, and X-ray (plain film imaging). Additionally, it serves as the base for local community healthcare services.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

South Central Ambulance Service provides ambulance cover in the town in response to NHS 111 call and emergency 999 call. <ref>cite web |url=https://www.scas.nhs.uk/ |title=South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust |website=South Central Ambulance Service |access-date=2025-10-11</ref>

Religion

Christianity

The dominant religion in the town is Christianity, with several denominations represented. Before Fleet developed into a town, Christians would travel to Crondall Parish Church to worship. In addition to the Anglican Church, there was a growing number of people with evangelical beliefs, known as dissenters, in the surrounding villages.<ref name=":38">Template:Cite book</ref>

In 1840, the Southern Railway opened a station near Fleet Pond, close to Fleet Pond Village. With the influx of day-trippers from London, the local population began to grow. In response to the need for a church in the area, the first church, Christ Church, was established by Charles Edward Lofroy, a local landlord, and was opened on 31 August 1841. A new Anglican parish was created.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

Around the same time in the 1840s, near what is now Fleet town centre, William Webster, a Baptist, purchased a plot of land close to Reading Road North. In 1846, he completed his house, Hope House (now known as Cedar House, named after a 500-year-old cedar tree), which he converted into a Baptist meeting place and a boarding school. In 1849, Hope Chapel, initially known as Crookham Chapel, was built in a neighbouring house. Then, in 1858, a new chapel was constructed on the west side of the burial ground, which is now known as Hope Cemetery.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

In 1859, T. Spurgin built another chapel nearby on Reading Road North, known as Fleet Pond Chapel, at a time when Fleet town centre was still referred to as Fleet Pond Village. This chapel was later renamed Ebenezer Chapel.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

By 1860, Charles Edward Lofroy constructed another Anglican church in Fleet town. As Fleet expanded, a new parish was formed in 1862.<ref name=":37" />

In 1892, the Baptists established a new chapel, Fleet Road Chapel.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

Church of England

The Church of England, also known as the Anglican Church, serves Fleet town, which is divided into two parishes: the Parish of Fleet and the Parish of Crookham, both within the Surrey Archdeaconry under the Diocese of Guildford. The Parish of Fleet is home to All Saints Church and St Philip and St James Church, while the Parish of Crookham is served by Christ Church.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Church runs two schools in the town: All Saints Church of England Aided Junior School and Crookham Church of England Aided Infant School.

Roman Catholic Church

The parish of Our Lady and The Holy Trinity is within the Deanery of Blessed John Body, under the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There comprises two churches: The Church of Our Lady in Fleet and The Church of The Holy Trinity in Church Crookham.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Church of Our Lady originated from a small church built on King's Road in 1908. It was expanded in 1934 and again in 1948. A new church building was opened on 25 March 1966.<ref name=":39">Template:Cite web</ref>

The Church of the Holy Trinity began on Moore Road in 1958. In 1960, the church purchased its current site on Aldershot Road. The new church was opened in 1968.<ref name=":39" />

Baptist church

The first church on Crookham Common, later known as Fleet Pond Village and now Fleet Town Centre, was Hope Chapel, established in 1946 for dissenters. Initially called Hope House, it was the residence of William Webster, a boarding school, and a meeting place for Baptists.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

In 1859, Fleet Pond Chapel, later known as Ebenzer, was built nearby. The two chapels eventually merged, and in 1892, Fleet Road Chapel was constructed.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

In 1957, Crookham Baptist Church opened on Basingbourne Road, and in 1965, Fleet Baptist Church relocated to a new building on Clarence Road. Today, these congregations are known as Fleet Baptist Church and Church Crookham Baptist Church.<ref name=":38" /><ref name=":37" />

Methodist church

The first Methodist church in the town was the New Primitive Methodist Church, also known as Reading Road Chapel, situated in Church Crookham on Reading Road South, roughly where Fleet Methodist Church is located today. It was established in 1883. Around the same time, the Wesleyan Methodist Church, also known as Wesleyan Church, was founded in 1887 at the corner of Branksomewood Road and Fleet Road. Originally a wooden building, it was reconstructed in brick in 1899. The two churches united in 1963, and a new Fleet Methodist Church was opened on an adjacent site in 1972.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":37" />

United Reformed Church

The United Reformed Church was formed in 1972 through the union of the Congregational Church and the Presbyterian Church. IIn Fleet, a Congregational Church was founded in 1912, with the building commencing in 1913 and opening in July 1914. When the United Reformed Church was formed in 1972, it became Fleet United Reformed Church.<ref name=":37" />

Multi-denomination

In Elvetham Heath, Church on the Heath is a partnership of Anglican, Methodist, Baptist, and United Reformed churches.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Others religions

Spiritualist church

Fleet Spiritualist Chruch

Culture

The Harlington

The Harlington, also known as (The) Harlington Centre or Fleet Civic Centre, situated between Fleet Road and Harlington Way, is the two-storey civic centre in the town centre.<ref name=":10" /><ref>Template:Cite map</ref> Next to Fleet Library, the centre serves as a venue for arts and entertainment, as well as community functions. It consists of an auditorium, a dance studio, a function room and a bar. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1956, Fleet Carnival for fundraising was revived for a new civic centre.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref> It was built in 1972 as a civic complex, offering meeting rooms, offices, and a main hall, with a library separate library building.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":13">Template:Cite web</ref> Following a fire that destroyed the roof in May 1991, the centre was renovated in 1993 and integrated with the library building. The new name, The Harlington Centre, was chosen as the result of a local competition.<ref name=":11" /> The civic centre, together with Fleet Library, was reopened in 1 November 1994, with two single-storey extensions added for Fleet Phoenix and the Royal Voluntary Service.<ref name=":12" /> In 1997, a small split-level gymnasium was added. Fleet Town Council took over management from Hart District Council under a short-term lease in 2010 and secured a 99-year long-term lease in March 2025. The centre was rebranded as The Harlington and refocused on entertainment and community activities. However, the centre has struggled with building defects and keeping up to modern standards. Various renovation proposals are under review as of 2025.<ref name=":12" />

Fleet Library

Fleet Library is the only public library in the town, operated by Hampshire County Council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It is situated at 236 Fleet Road, behind Gurkha Square and adjacent to The Harlington. In addition to the conventional functions of a public library, such as borrowing books and magazines, it also serves as a community hub, offering meetings and courses for people from all walks of life.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The library has a section dedicated to the local history collection from the Fleet and Crookham Local History Group.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The first library in the town, The Fleet Library, was a private establishment dating back to 1905 and was located at 171 Fleet Road. The library was for-profit, also serving as a printing office and ticketing office. Miss Isabel Caley was the first librarian. The library closed in 1955. There were other library businesses in the town.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22">Template:Cite web</ref>

Colonel Horniblow donated a piece of land, known as The Views (Meadow), to the county council. In 1936, the council also purchased a house from him and converted it into a council office, with a small library section.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22" />

On 24 March 1947, a new, though tiny, council library was opened at 236 Fleet Road (the same house number as now, but at a different location). By 1955, the library was in high demand, leading to discussions about fundraising for a civic centre. In 1956, Fleet Carnival for fundraising was revived for and Fleet Chamber of Trade agreed to sponsor the carnival.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22" />

In 1952, Fleet Urban Council acquired Chernocke House, the land of which is now Gurkha Square. By that time, the house had been divided into four sections, with number 4 being occupied by Fleet Bridge Club. In November 1957, the council raised the rent to make way for a new tenant, the library. The club moved to West View in 1958, and in 1959, the building hosted the new Fleet County Library. In February 1963, the library received an extension, courtesy of a tenant. On 8th August 1963, the library reopened with the new extension.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22" />

In 1967, discussions commenced for the construction of a new civic centre,<ref name=":11" /> which was eventually completed in 1972, just behind Chernocke House.<ref name=":12" /> On 31st January 1974, the Hampshire Fleet Library moved into the civic centre at current location, being housed in a separate building. One room within the civic centre was named Carnival Hall, in recognition of the carnival's contribution of a tenth of the funding. Another room, named Chernocke Hall, honoured Chernocke House, the library's former home. In 1975, Chernocke House was demolished.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":22" />

In May 1991, the assembly halls in the civic centre were severely damaged by a fire. Although there were initial plans to rebuild it in Calthorpe Park, residents ultimately opted for reconstruction on the original site. In 1993, Hart District Council proposed that the new civic centre would be integrated with the library building. The project was developed in collaboration with both Hart District Council and Hampshire County Council. The library was renovated and reopened on 1st November 1994, alongside The Harlington Centre, a new name chosen through a local competition. The library’s new entrance, which is now closed, was previously located inside The Harlington Centre.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22" />

Fleet Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in January 2024.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":22" />

Events

The town has numerous events organised by the local carnival committee, the largest of those being Fleet Carnival in the summer,<ref name=":7" /> and the switching on of the Christmas lights as December approaches (known as Fleet Festivities), usually held the last Wednesday in November and taking place along the main street (Fleet Road), which is pedestrianised for the evening's events. The committee also arrange food festivals, attracting stands run by local restaurants and talks and demonstrations held in large marquees.<ref name=":8" />

Other yearly events in Fleet include a Half Marathon, Fleet 10K, a beer festival organised by the local Lions Club<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and a Fireworks night.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gurkha Square, named after the Gurkhas who were based in Fleet for many years,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> houses the Fleet war memorial. A market takes place every Saturday in Gurkha Square. Major buildings on Gurkha Square are Fleet Library, and the Harlington Centre.

Heritage

The following buildings are listed on the National Heritage List for England:

In the civil parish of Fleet, more buildings of heritage and townscape value are listed:

  • 12 Minley Road (The Old Station Master's House)<ref name=":36">Template:Cite web</ref>
  • 22 to 40 Minley Road (Beulah, Broughton, Grateley, Hermon and Hawley Villas)<ref name=":36" />
  • 37 King’s Road (Benson House)<ref name=":36" />
  • 1 to 25 Dunmow Hill<ref name=":36" />
  • 4 Avondale Road (The Grey House) <ref name=":36" />
  • 277 to 279 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 295 to 297 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 315 to 337 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 35 Chestnut Grove (Grasmere) <ref name=":36" />
  • 69 to 79 Connaught Road (Stocks Cottages)<ref name=":36" />
  • 47 Connaught Road (Lady Bower)<ref name=":36" />
  • 51 to 57 Fleet Road (The Terrace) <ref name=":36" />
  • Brake's Estate Office, Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 271 to 275 Fleet Road (The Old Emporium)<ref name=":36" />
  • 140 to 148 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 150 Fleet Road(The old Post Office)<ref name=":36" />
  • 152 to 158 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 238 Fleet Road (The Prince Arthur)<ref name=":36" />
  • 240 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 234 Fleet Road (was 238, Bakers)<ref name=":36" />
  • 182 to 184 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 174 Fleet Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 67 and 69 Victoria Road (The Garth)<ref name=":36" />
  • The Bailey, Branksomewood Road<ref name=":36" />
  • High Bank (Buena Vista), Hagley Road <ref name=":36" />
  • Beacon House, Victoria Hill Road <ref name=":36" />
  • Fleet Hospital, Church Road <ref name=":36" />
  • 35 Church Road (Alvercote) <ref name=":36" />
  • 36 and 38 Church Road<ref name=":36" />
  • Lismoyne Hotel, Church Road <ref name=":36" />
  • The Courtyard, Waverley Avenue<ref name=":36" />
  • Stockton House, Stockton Avenue <ref name=":36" />
  • 5 Knoll Road (East Dene and West Dene) <ref name=":36" />
  • 31 Elvetham Road (Stockton Lodge)<ref name=":36" />
  • The Manor, Branksomewood Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 2 and 4 Reading Road South (The Water Sky)<ref name=":36" />
  • The Oatsheaf, Crookham Road <ref name=":36" />
  • 20 Crookham Road (Stanton House) <ref name=":36" />
  • Fox and Hounds, Crookham Road<ref name=":36" />
  • 45 and 47 Reading Road South<ref name=":36" />
  • 1 Dinorben Avenue<ref name=":36" />
  • Prince of Wales, Reading Road South<ref name=":36" />

Sport and leisure

Hart Leisure Centre at Edenbrook is a major venue for both indoor and outdoor sports. It features an indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, sports halls for badminton and basketball, fitness studios, and outdoor pitches for football and rugby.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The centre also offers a variety of classes and community sports programmes for all ages and abilities.

Fleet has a number of recreation grounds scattered across different parts of the town. Fleet Town Council manages The Views Meadow, Calthorpe Park, Oakley Park, Basingbourne Park, and Ancells Park. Church Crookham Parish Council is responsible for the Peter Driver Sports Ground,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> located on the boundary between Church Crookham and Ewshot. Elvetham Heath has an informal recreation ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Several sports clubs operate within the Fleet end of Cody Technology Park.

Some schools in the town have large recreation grounds, which are also available for community use.

Equestrianism

Tweseldown Racecourse is main venue for equestrianism.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Golf

Fleet is the home of the North Hants Golf Club. For over one hundred years, it has been a top-ranked course in Hampshire and nationally. Justin Rose was a junior member of the club, and there is now a meeting room named after him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Football

Fleet has two Non-League football teams: Fleet Town F.C.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Fleet Spurs F.C.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":9">Template:Cite web</ref>

Cricket

Fleet Cricket Club is in Calthorpe Park.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Athletics

Church Crookham Athletics Track.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Bowling Green

Fleet Social & Bowling Club<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Fleet United Bowling Club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Marathon

Fleet has a half marathon, commonly used in preparation for the London Marathon, and an athletics club, Fleet & Crookham AC.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Media

Formerly, the local press are the Fleet News & Mail, a broadsheet available in local shops,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the Surrey-Hants Star Courier, a free tabloid delivered to the door.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Instead, Fleet CommunityAd Magazine, a free publication, is released irregularly from 2022, with several issues per year, and delivered directly to residents' doors.<ref name=":9" />

Fleet Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC South and ITV Meridian. Television signals are received from the Hannington TV transmitter,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> some areas of the town can also pick up a signal from the Crystal Palace TV transmitter that broadcast BBC London and ITV London. <ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fleet is covered by BBC Radio Surrey and Greatest Hits Radio Surrey and North East Hampshire which both radio stations covers North-East Hampshire additionally.

Notable people

Freedom of the Town

The following people or military units have received the Freedom of the Town of Fleet.

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Individuals

See also

References

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