Eastleigh

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For the suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, see Eastleigh, Nairobi

Map sources for Eastleigh at grid reference SU4519

Arms of Eastleigh Borough Council

Eastleigh is a former railway town in Hampshire, England, and the main town in the Eastleigh borough. The town lies between Southampton and Winchester, and is part of the South Hampshire conurbation. Eastleigh borough stretches from Netley on the banks of Southampton Water, the historic river villages of Hamble-le-Rice, Bursledon and Botley, the developing areas of Hedge End, West End, Hampshire, Fair Oak & Bishopstoke and the green residential belt of Chandler's Ford.

A village called East Leah has been nearby for centuries, but the railway station was originally named Bishopstoke Junction, only becoming Eastleigh in 1923, after the town that sprung up around it, with the building of the railway works. The last works depot at Eastleigh was closed during 2006.

Eastleigh rail yard in 1984.

With a population of over 117,000 Eastleigh has seen a rapid and controlled expansion in residential, industrial and commercial development over recent years.

Perhaps Eastleigh's most well known 'resident' is the Spitfire aeroplane which was built in Southampton and first flown from Eastleigh Aerodrome (now Southampton International Airport). A replica has recently been placed on the traffic island at the entrance to the airport.

The most famous people linked to Eastleigh are probably 'Jane' the model for the cartoon character and Benny Hill who both lived in the town. In Benny's honour a new road was recently named Benny Hill Close, though many of the people who had bought the new homes were not happy with the decision.

Eastleigh Museum, which is to be found in the High Street holds information about the town and the surrounding villages, including Bishopstoke which had been the largest residential area adjacent to Eastleigh up until the 1860's.

In 2005 Chris Huhne became Eastleigh's MP (Liberal Democrat) after the previous MP (David Chidgey, also Liberal Democrat) retired. Eastleigh has a tradition of close contests, and Huhne narrowly beat the Conservative candidate Conor Burns with the second lowest swing against the Liberal Democrats of any seat with a retiring MP (2.6%). David Chidgey succeeded the conservative MP Stephen Milligan after his high profile death.

1 Sport
2 Notable people
3 Business
4 Trivia
5 Twinnings
6 See also
7 External links

[edit] Sport

Eastleigh Ladies Hockey Club is based in South Hampshire (Eastleigh, Winchester, Southampton area). It fields 2 teams in the Hampshire Women's League (playing Saturdays), as well as playing floodlit and indoor league games (playing on weekdays).