Aldershot

Aldershot is a town in Hampshire, England, part of the Rushmoor borough alongside Farnborough. It lies in the north-eastern part of the county, close to the borders with Surrey and Berkshire. The town is known for its long-standing military connections and a sizable garrison.

The town originated as a military settlement after 1854 when a permanent Army Camp—known as Aldershot Garrison—was established as a headquarters for the British Army. The garrison accelerated urban growth and shaped the town’s character.

With the arrival of railway and road networks in the late 19th century, Aldershot developed into a major garrison town and residential community. Today the garrison remains a central element of the local economy and identity.

The town’s economy is mixed, with retail, services, housing, and support services for the military. The centre contains shopping streets, markets, and community facilities.

Aldershot is served by Aldershot railway station on the South Western Main Line, providing regular services to London Waterloo and towns in the southwest. It is connected by road to the A3 and near the M3 corridor.

Demographics include a population of around 35,000, with a diverse community.