Portal:Hampshire/Selected article/6

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The market town of Fareham lies in the south east of Hampshire, England, between the cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, roughly in the centre of the South Hampshire conurbation.

It gives its name to the borough comprising the town and the surrounding area. To the south lies Gosport, to the east Portchester, to the north the M27 motorway and Wickham. Westwards lie Titchfield and the Southampton area.

The National Census, 2001 found Fareham to have lower than average unemployment and crime with house prices higher than average. The population of the borough was counted as 107,977 with an average age of 40.3 years.

Fareham traditionally relied on its clay soil for industry, producing bricks, tiles and chimney pots. This past is commemorated through place names such as Kiln Road. The most famous example of a building constructed of "Fareham red bricks" is probably the Royal Albert Hall, London. The main economic activity in Fareham is now retail, employing 15% of the local population. Fareham has also become a popular choice for the location of business call centres; several of the UK's major banks have offices in Fareham and Adecco, the recruitment agency, claims Fareham as the second best call centre location in the UK.

Fareham is situated at the north-west tip of Portsmouth Harbour where the River Wallington joins. Small industries still operate, reflecting Fareham's maritime past. HM Royal Navy operate in Fareham with the Maritime Warfare School, HMS Collingwood, training well over 2,000 British and foreign sailors at a time.