Up until the early 19th century, the barren heartland of Aldershot was a small argricultural village with a population of 875. Ironically the rugged terrain that constrained its development, attracted the War Department to purchase 4176 acres of land here to build a military camp in natural training ground, transforming Aldershot into a large Garrison town where soldiers, civil servants and their families came to live, and by the time of the 1861 census, the towns population had risen to 16,720.

Aldershot means a wood of Alder trees, “shot” meaning wood or copse, and was first recorded as Aldershete in the 13th Century. However, archaeological finds and prehistoric earthworks at Caeser’s Camp indicate that it may date back to well before Roman times. Many of the old roads throughout the town still exist today and include Rowhill Copse, formerly Rough Hill Copse, Church Lane, and Cranmore Lane first spelt Cranmere Lane. What was once the main road leading from Ash to the London-Winchester Turnpike Road is now the Farnborough Road and was frequented by highwaymen and considered a dangerous way to travel.

Overlooked by the 19th century Cambridge Miltary Hospital clocktower, there are many historical attractions in the area, including the “Iron Duke,” a statue of the Duke of Wellington, which was once located in London. On suggestion of the Prince of Wales it was moved to Aldershot where he personally selected its site in 1885. Embracing its military background, the Aldershot Military Museum portrays a day in the life of a British soldier and is housed in the only surviving brick built blocks in Aldershot, first erected in 1894.

For those who want to get away from the town’s military connections, there’s the Apine Ski Centre, Aldershot Pools Complex, Bowling Alley and Go Karting For Fun. The Basingstoke Canal Trail is a wonderfully scenic route where dragon-flies and beautiful water-plants can be viewed whilst taking a boat ride or by foot.