Andover, Hampshire

File:Andover - Norman Arch - geograph.org.uk - 556600.jpg c. 1150, all that remains of the Old Church of St Mary]]

Andover's name is recorded in Old English in 955 as Andeferas, and is thought to be of Celtic origin: compare Welsh onn dwfr = "ash (tree) water".{{cite web |url=http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk/map/place/Hampshire/Andover |title=Key to English Place-names |website=kepn.nottingham.ac.uk |access-date=17 July 2021 |archive-date=30 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630022432/http://kepn.nottingham.ac.uk/map/place/Hampshire/Andover |url-status=live}} The first mention in history is in 950 when King Edred is recorded as having built a royal hunting lodge there. In 962 King Edgar called a meeting of the Saxon 'parliament' (the Witenagemot) at his hunting lodge near Andover.{{cite web |url=http://www.localhistories.org/andover.html |title=A Brief History of Andover, Hampshire |author-first=Tim |author-last=Lambert |access-date=7 March 2010 |archive-date=15 June 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615060039/http://localhistories.org/andover.html |url-status=live}} Of more importance was the baptism, in 994, of a Viking king named "Anlaf" (allied with the Danish king, Sweyn Forkbeard). The identity of that man was either Olav Tryggvason (king of Norway) or Olof Skötkonung (king of Sweden). The baptism was part of a deal with the English king, Æthelred the Unready, whereby the Viking stopped ravaging England and returned home.

At the time of the Domesday Book (1086), Andovere had 107 adult male inhabitants{{OpenDomesday|SU3645|andover|Andover}} and probably had a total population of about 500. It was a relatively large settlement; most villages had only 100 to 150 people. Andover had six watermills which ground grain to flour. The town's relative isolation implies a market for grain and flour. In 1175 Andover bought a royal charter granting certain townspeople rights and forming a merchant guild which took over local governance (see ancient borough); guild members elected two officials (bailiffs) who ran the town. In 1201 King John gave the merchants the right to collect royal taxes in Andover themselves. In 1256 Henry III gave the townspeople the right to hold a court and try criminals for offences committed in Andover. Andover sent MPs to the parliaments of 1295 and 1302–1307. The town was ravaged by two serious fires, in 1141 and 1435. Andover remained a small market town. Processing wool appears to have been the main industry and street names in the area of the town known as "Sheep Fair" commemorate this. A weekly market, and an annual fair were held.

File:St Marys Parish Church, Andover, Hampshire-3Dec2009.jpg

As well as the Church of St Mary, the town had a priory and a hospital run by monks, dedicated to St John the Baptist, and also a lepers hostel to St Mary Magdalene. In 1538 during the Reformation Henry VIII closed the priory and the hospital. In 1571 a free school for the boys of Andover was established in the grounds of St Mary's Church. This in time became Andover Grammar School,"Andover" in The New Encyclopædia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., 15th ed., 1992, Vol. 1, p. 387. and in the 1970s it became John Hanson Community School. The school has occupied various sites in the town over the course of its history and is currently located in Floral Way.

In 1599 the town received a new charter from Elizabeth I. The merchants guild was made a corporation and the number of annual fairs was increased from one to three. Like other towns Andover suffered from outbreaks of plague. There were outbreaks in 1603–1605, 1625–1626 and 1636.

During the 18th century, being on the main Exeter – Salisbury – London road, the place became a refuelling or overnight stop for stagecoaches and other passing trade. More than 30 coaches passed through the town each day. In 1789 a canal to Southampton was opened, though this was never a commercial success and closed in 1859. In 1836 the Borough established a small police force: for the most part two constables and a gaoler.Crime and Policing in the Andover area 1836–1842. Clifford Williams (2006) in Lookback at Andover Vol 2 No 7 ISSN 0960-5738)

Andover was linked to Basingstoke and thus to London on its new railway to Salisbury (shortly thereafter to Exeter beyond) when Andover junction station was opened on 3 July 1854. A railway from the 1860s ran to Southampton, built on the bed of the canal, for about 100 years, until 1964. The land, together with the adjacent gasworks and P.M. Coombes woodyards, was then sold to the TSB Trust Company who later built their headquarters there. In 1883, Andover was linked to Swindon and destinations further north with the Swindon, Marlborough and Andover Railway.

The population grew from 3,304 in 1801 to 5,501 in 1871.William White (1878) History, Gazetteer and Directory of the County of Hampshire p. 113. During the 19th century the town acquired all the usual additions: a theatre in 1803, gas street lighting in 1838, a fire station and cottage hospital in 1877, a swimming pool opened in 1885 and a recreation ground opened in 1887. A water company was formed in 1875 to provide piped water to the town and a system of sewers and drains was built in 1899–1902. The public library opened in 1897. Despite this burgeoning of the amenities of the town, in 1845–1846 a notorious scandal brought to light evidence of beatings, sexual abuse and general mistreatment of workhouse inmates by the overseers. The enquiry and public reaction led indirectly to the Poor Law Act, principally involving segregation of a now-obligatory infirmary for local people from the workhouse for the able-bodied, but also better governance. The town was one of the boroughs reformed by the Municipal Reform Act 1835.

File:Andover workhouse.jpg

The woollen industry had declined but new industries took its place. Taskers Waterloo Ironworks opened at Anna Valley in 1809 and flourished. Many examples of the machinery produced by Taskers can be seen at the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke. Andover Guildhall, which enjoys a prominent location in the High Street, opened in 1825.{{NHLE|num=1236337|desc= Guildhall|access-date=18 March 2021}}

The town's largest employer is the Ministry of Defence. RAF Andover was opened on Andover Airfield, to the south of the town, during the First World War and became the site of the RAF Staff College.

In 1926, the Andover War Memorial Hospital was opened by Field Marshall Edmund Allenby. The hospital currently provides inpatient rehabilitation, day hospital services, a minor injury unit and an outpatient unit, and is operated by Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with some services being provided by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.{{cite web |url=http://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/media/21199/timeline_final.pdf |title=Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Timeline |publisher=Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505224413/http://www.hampshirehospitals.nhs.uk/media/21199/timeline_final.pdf |archive-date=5 May 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In 1932, Andover gained a new industry when the printers for Kelly's Directory moved to the town. Slowly the town grew from about 11,000 and by 1960 had a population of about 17,000, because already some Londoners were being housed in the first of the council houses and flats being constructed.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

During the Second World War, the RAF Staff College was the headquarters of RAF Maintenance Command, and gained a unique place in British history, as the first British military helicopter unit, the Helicopter Training School, was formed in January 1945 at RAF Andover. The airfield is no longer in use although the RAF retains a link to the area through the presence of 1213 (Andover) Squadron, Air Training Corps. When the RAF left the site became the Headquarters of the Quartermaster General and later Logistics Executive.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

In 2001, the Defence Logistics Organisation (DLO) was formed and Andover became one of its major sites. Since 2012, the site has been the home of Army Headquarters. The Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre is based locally at Amport House, as is the Army Air Corps Centre and the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop.

Major industries include Twinings the tea and coffee firm, Ducal Pine Furniture (until they closed in 2003), Thomson International Publishers, who produce the Pitkin Guides to be found in many churches and other notable buildings, financial institutions such as Simplyhealth and Lloyds Banking Group, and the Stannah Group, whose HQ is also in the town. Among the proposals in the council's Borough Local Plan 2006 are plans to develop the former site of RAF Andover to Class B1, B2 and B8 uses.[http://62.204.33.179/written/cpt10.htm#and041 Andover Business Park section of Borough Local Plan 2006]{{dead link |date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} This site has been partially developed and is named Andover Business Park. The business park currently houses a Co-op Food Distribution centre, Rich Foods Factory, Costa Coffee Drive Thru, Pure Gym, Travelodge and the Chalkhill Blue pub.{{cn|date=June 2024}}

In the 1950s the Borough Council was approached to become an overspill town for London, to build houses and take people and industry relocated from the overcrowded capital. In 1961 a plan was drawn up to expand to a population of some 47,000 by 1982, with 9,000 new homes to be built.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}}

The first new council houses were ready by 1954, and by 1981 the population had risen to 51,000. A bypass, industrial estates and a new shopping centre in the town centre, called the Chantry Centre, were all built.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

Andover has a purpose-built arts and entertainment venue owned & managed by Test Valley Borough Council called The Lights.{{cite web |url=http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/artsandculture/artsvenues/lights |title=The Lights, Andover, Test Valley Borough Council |website=Test Valley Borough Council |access-date=29 December 2017 |archive-date=29 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229112945/http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/communityandleisure/artsandculture/artsvenues/lights |url-status=live}} This hosts professional artists throughout the year. The venue has a 249 fully raked auditorium, a business suite, a dance studio and a craft studio. The Lights has attracted international artists such as Michael McIntyre.{{cite web |url=http://www.loveandover.com/news/local-news/michael-mcintyre-to-appear-at-the-lights-in-andover-5624/ |title=Michael McIntyre To Appear At The Lights In Andover |website=Love Andover}}

The Town Museum (Andover Museum and Museum of the Iron Age), based in the former John Hanson Free School building, has a Museum of the Iron Age which was added in 1986 and houses the finds from excavations at nearby Danebury hillfort.

Andover was the name of a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of England from 1295 to 1307, and again from 1586, then of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1707 to 1800, and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1918. It was a parliamentary borough, represented by two Members of Parliament (MPs) until 1868, and by one member from 1868 to 1885. The name was then transferred to a county constituency electing one MP from 1885 until 1918.

Currently, Andover is in the constituency of North West Hampshire, which since 2015 has been represented in the House of Commons by Kit Malthouse for the Conservatives.

When the Borough Council and Andover Rural District Council were abolished in the local government reorganisation of 1974, and replaced by Test Valley Borough Council (whose area extends south to the edge of Southampton), Andover became an unparished area, secularly, for 34 years. Andover Town Council was revived in May 2010, the townsfolk electing an initial 19 members, and since 2017 has included a Town Mayor.{{cite web |url=https://andover-tc.gov.uk/ |title=Andover Town Council |website=andover-tc.gov.uk |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-date=10 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810011202/https://andover-tc.gov.uk/ |url-status=live}}

Buses in Andover all service Andover, Hampshire Bus Station, with a majority using this as their end/start point.

Almost all areas of the town are served, and there are longer distance connections to the surrounding towns and villages. The majority of the buses in the town are operated by Stagecoach South, including inter-urban services to Basingstoke and Salisbury.

The Active8 service connects the smaller town of Tidworth with Andover and Salisbury, and is operated by both Stagecoach and Salisbury Reds, a brand of Go South Coast. This service is rare in Hampshire in that the operators provide a combined timetable and accept each other's tickets.

In 2002 the town became part of the Cango community bus network.[http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5597742.Cango_service_just_the_ticket/ Cango service just the ticket] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328165641/http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5597742.Cango_service_just_the_ticket/ |date=28 March 2018}} Southern Daily Echo 6 February 2003{{cite web |title=Andover Cango {{!}} Community Transport |url=https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/alternativetransport/communitytransport/providerdetails?id=547 |url-status=live |access-date=2021-05-08 |website=Hampshire County Council |language=en-GB |archive-date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508083148/https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/alternativetransport/communitytransport/providerdetails?id=547}}

Andover's railway station is run by South Western Railway and is close to the town's centre. Trains run to Salisbury, Yeovil Junction, Exeter St Davids, Basingstoke and London Waterloo (with a usual intermittent stop of Woking) and some stopping services to places such as Whitchurch.

In April 2017, the Department for Transport predicted that train journey times between Andover and London Waterloo would be reduced by nearly 20 per cent after awarding the South Western franchise to South Western Railway; journey times to/from Waterloo to be cut by about 11 to 13 minutes from late 2018.{{cite web |url=http://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/15208255.Journey_times_to_the_capital_to_be_slashed_as_South_Western_Railway_changes_hands |title=Journey Times To Be Slashed To The Capital |date=6 April 2017 |publisher=Andover Advertiser |access-date=31 December 2017 |archive-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194336/http://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/15208255.Journey_times_to_the_capital_to_be_slashed_as_South_Western_Railway_changes_hands/ |url-status=live}}

Andover previously had a second station, Andover Town, in the town centre on the Andover to Redbridge Line. The line and the station closed to passengers in September 1964 as part of the Beeching Axe.Body, p. 54

The A303, a main route from London to South West England, essentially bounds the town to the south. The M4 motorway, to the north, can be reached by way of the A34 trunk road, which continues to Birmingham; or via Marlborough, Wiltshire.

File:Rangoli at a house in Andover Hampshire.jpg in front of a Nepalese household in Andover]]

In 2021, Andover had a population of 50,887

There is a growing Nepalese population in Andover, reflecting local army connections with the Brigade of Gurkhas.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

Local TV coverage is provided by BBC South and ITV Meridian.

For BBC Local Radio, the town is served by both BBC Radio Solent on 96.1 MHz FM and BBC Radio Berkshire on 104.1 MHz FM. Andover Radio is a community radio station on 95.9 MHz FM, first licensed in 2016.{{cite web |date=2016-09-20 |title=Ofcom awards five new community radio licences |url=https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2016/five-new-community-radio-licences |access-date=2020-12-05 |website=Ofcom |language=en |archive-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828135446/https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/latest/media/media-releases/2016/five-new-community-radio-licences |url-status=live}} The Independent Local Radio station for the area is Greatest Hits Radio Berkshire & North Hampshire, which broadcasts national and regional music programmes.{{cite web |author-last=Tatum |author-first=Kris |date=27 August 2020 |title=Here's what your favourite local radio station will sound like when it changes on Tuesday|url=https://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/18680455.greatest-hits-radio-regional-drivetime-presenters-revealed---plus-changes-station-by-station/ |access-date=2020-12-05 |website=Andover Advertiser |language=en |archive-date=27 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827182321/https://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/18680455.greatest-hits-radio-regional-drivetime-presenters-revealed---plus-changes-station-by-station/ |url-status=live}} The licence was first held by Andover Sound, then by The Breeze between 2012 and 2020.

The weekly newspaper for the town and the surrounding area is the Andover Advertiser, founded in 1858 and now owned by Newsquest.{{cite web |author-last=French |author-first=Katie |date=20 May 2020 |title=Andover Advertiser launches digital subscription service |url=https://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/18463947.andover-advertiser-launches-digital-subscription-service/ |access-date=2020-12-05 |website=Andover Advertiser |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630194518/https://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/news/18463947.andover-advertiser-launches-digital-subscription-service/ |url-status=live}}

{{sources|section|date=August 2023}}

{{update|section|date=March 2025}}

Andover Vision is a partnership of Andover's residents, community groups, business and public bodies.{{cite web |title=Andover Vision |url=https://www.andovervision.org.uk/|access-date=2020-12-05 |language=en |archive-date=30 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030123933/https://www.andovervision.org.uk/ |url-status=live}} In April 2017, a strategy document set out the ambitions for the town and its future over the next 20 years.{{cite web |title=Vision documents |url=https://www.andovervision.org.uk/vision-documents |access-date=2020-12-05 |website=Andover Vision |language=en |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130020927/https://www.andovervision.org.uk/vision-documents |url-status=live}} The strategy was shaped by local people through extensive consultation and brought together by the Vision partnership. The ambitions will influence how Andover manages the changing environment for the benefit of the whole community as well as providing a way in which local people can play an active role in the future of their town. The five themes for the Andover Vision are:

• Being part of a connected community
• Having a great green environment
• Being part of a thriving town centre
• Supporting business, jobs and skills in the town
• Access to great health

Each of the ambitions has a set of 'big ideas'. The big ideas describe what the partnership will work on together for the town and inform the projects that the partnership will take forward through its action plan. The document will also be used as a basis to attract new funding and new opportunities to the town and a guide for partners for their future policies and strategies relating to Andover.

The previous 20-year Andover Vision Strategy, launched in 2005, delivered projects including The Lights Theatre, Odeon cinema, Andover Business Park, the Chapel Arts Centre and events such as the Graduation ceremonies.

File:Andover Rooksbury Mill 02.jpeg and Mill House]]

Watermills have formed an important part in Andover's history. The Domesday Book of 1086 recorded six mills.

Rooksbury Mill is one of the few surviving mill buildings in Andover. The existence of Rooksbury Mill is first recorded by name in the 17th century. Functioning as a flour mill, it has passed through a succession of owners. Milling ceased in the early 20th century, after which the mill building went through a series of uses including being used as a small theatre. Test Valley Borough Council sold the building in 2002, shortly after it had been devastated following an arson attack. The new owners, Anthony and Sarah de Sigley, restored the building in 2003, rebuilding much of the original structure.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

A large flour mill, McDougalls, is close to the railway station.

File:Flour Mill, Andover.JPG Flour Mill, Millway Road, Andover]]

Andover, in common with much of the UK, experiences a maritime climate type, reflected in its limited temperature range and lack of rainy/dry seasons, although rainfall does tend to peak in winter and reach a minimum in summer.

The nearest met office weather station to Andover is Leckford, about {{convert|5|mi|0}} south of the town centre.

The absolute maximum temperature recorded was {{cvt|34.7|°C}}{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=14&year=1990&indexid=TXx&stationid=1869 |title=1990 maximum |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211616/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=14&year=1990&indexid=TXx&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} during August 1990. In an average year, the hottest day will achieve a temperature of {{cvt|29.0|°C}}.{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=SU&stationid=1858 |title=1971-00 Days >25c |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211359/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=SU&stationid=1858 |url-status=live}} In total 12.8 days should have a maximum temperature of {{cvt|25.1|°C}} or above.

The absolute minimum temperature recorded was {{cvt|−15.6|°C}}{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=18&year=1960&indexid=TNn&stationid=1869 |title=1960 minimum |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211622/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/monitordetail.php?seasonid=18&year=1960&indexid=TNn&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} during December 1960. In an average year the coldest night will fall to {{cvt|−7.5|°C}}.{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=TNn&stationid=1869 |title=1971-00 average coldest night |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211629/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=TNn&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} In total 46.6 nights{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=FD&stationid=1869 |title=1971-00 average frosts |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211636/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=FD&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} should register an air frost.

Total rainfall averages {{cvt|805|mm}}{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=RR&stationid=1869 |title=1971-00 Rainfall |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211641/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=RR&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} per year, with at least {{cvt|1|mm}} falling on 124 days.{{cite web |url=http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=RR1&stationid=1869 |title=1971-00 Raindays |access-date=3 March 2011 |archive-date=13 May 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513211646/http://eca.knmi.nl/utils/calcdetail.php?seasonid=0&periodid=1971-2000&indexid=RR1&stationid=1869 |url-status=live}} All averages refer to the 1971–2000 observation period.

{{Weather box|width=auto

|metric first=y

|single line=y

|collapsed = Y

|location = Middle Wallop,{{efn|Weather station is located {{convert|6.0|mi|1|abbr=out}} from the Andover town centre.}} (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1984–present)

|Jan record high C = 15.5

|Feb record high C = 18.1

|Mar record high C = 21.8

|Apr record high C = 26.1

|May record high C = 27.8

|Jun record high C = 32.1

|Jul record high C = 35.2

|Aug record high C = 34.9

|Sep record high C = 30.7

|Oct record high C = 26.8

|Nov record high C = 17.4

|Dec record high C = 15.2

|Jan record low C = -10.1

|Feb record low C = -10.5

|Mar record low C = -6.3

|Apr record low C = -3.7

|May record low C = -1.2

|Jun record low C = 1.4

|Jul record low C = 4.9

|Aug record low C = 3.9

|Sep record low C = 0.9

|Oct record low C = -3.5

|Nov record low C = -7.6

|Dec record low C = -10.2

|Jan high C = 7.8

|Feb high C = 8.3

|Mar high C = 10.9

|Apr high C = 13.9

|May high C = 17.2

|Jun high C = 20.1

|Jul high C = 22.2

|Aug high C = 21.8

|Sep high C = 19.1

|Oct high C = 14.9

|Nov high C = 10.9

|Dec high C = 8.2

| year high C = 14.6

|Jan mean C = 4.8

|Feb mean C = 5.1

|Mar mean C = 7.1

|Apr mean C = 9.4

|May mean C = 12.5

|Jun mean C = 15.3

|Jul mean C = 17.3

|Aug mean C = 17.1

|Sep mean C = 14.7

|Oct mean C = 11.3

|Nov mean C = 7.7

|Dec mean C = 5.2

| year mean C =

|Jan low C = 1.8

|Feb low C = 1.8

|Mar low C = 3.2

|Apr low C = 4.8

|May low C = 7.7

|Jun low C = 10.4

|Jul low C = 12.3

|Aug low C = 12.4

|Sep low C = 10.2

|Oct low C = 7.7

|Nov low C = 4.4

|Dec low C = 2.2

| year low C = 6.6

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation mm = 88.3

|Feb precipitation mm = 64.7

|Mar precipitation mm = 59.1

|Apr precipitation mm = 59.0

|May precipitation mm = 49.6

|Jun precipitation mm = 52.6

|Jul precipitation mm = 54.2

|Aug precipitation mm = 57.1

|Sep precipitation mm = 58.7

|Oct precipitation mm = 90.4

|Nov precipitation mm = 96.7

|Dec precipitation mm = 89.0

|year precipitation mm = 819.4

|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm

| Jan precipitation days = 12.5

| Feb precipitation days = 10.5

| Mar precipitation days = 9.6

| Apr precipitation days = 9.8

| May precipitation days = 9.0

| Jun precipitation days = 8.4

| Jul precipitation days = 9.1

| Aug precipitation days = 9.0

| Sep precipitation days = 8.8

| Oct precipitation days = 12.1

| Nov precipitation days = 13.1

| Dec precipitation days = 12.2

| year precipitation days =124.2

| source 1 = Met Office{{cite web

|url = https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/climate/maps-and-data/location-specific-long-term-averages/gcnfur2u8

|title = Station: Middle Wallop Climate period: 1991–2020

|publisher = Met Office

|access-date = 15 December 2024}}

| source 2 = Starlings Roost Weather{{cite web |url=http://starlingsroost.ddns.net/weather/ukobs/temp_month_record_tmax_map.php

|title= Monthly Extreme Maximum Temperature, Monthly Extreme Minimum Temperature

|publisher=Starlings Roost Weather

|access-date= 16 December 2024

}}

}}

The town is served by state, independent and special schools. Secondary education is provided by three state schools. John Hanson Community School, formerly Andover Grammar School, which dates back to the 16th century and is the oldest school in the town, Harrow Way Community School and Winton Community Academy. Rookwood School, an independent day and boarding school, caters for pupils aged 3 to 18. Another local independent school is Farleigh School, a Catholic prep school. There is one sixth form provision, Andover College, formerly known as Cricklade College.

{{More citations needed section|date=January 2014}}

• Nigel Spackman was a local football player who began his career for Andover before moving to AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea. From there, he enjoyed a successful career culminating with winning the English league championship with Liverpool, and numerous Scottish league and cup winners medals with Rangers. Since retiring, he has ventured into club management as well as becoming a television football pundit.
• Bill Rawlings was another Andoverian who began his career at the club. He went on to join Southampton in 1919 where he had a successful career scoring 175 goals in 327 league appearances, making him their third all-time goalscorer behind Mick Channon and Matthew Le Tissier. He also won two England caps in 1922 against Wales and Scotland respectively.{{cite book |author-first1=Gary |author-last1=Chalk |author-first2=Duncan |author-last2=Holley |title=Saints – A complete record |publisher=Breedon Books |date=1987 |isbn=0-907969-22-4}}{{Englandstats|ref=y|429|Bill Rawlings|access-date=28 December 2007|archive-date=30 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165150/http://www.englandstats.com/playerreport.php?pid=782|url-status=live}} He also played for Manchester United and Port Vale.
• Lucinda Green, champion equestrian and journalist who won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics as well as two world titles, was born in Andover in 1953.
• Kate Howey, judoka, competed at four Olympic games, winning a silver medal in 2000 and a bronze medal in 1992. Howey was born in Andover in 1973. In 2004 she carried the British flag at the opening ceremony in Athens.
• Ronnie Bond, Pete Staples{{citation needed|date=September 2017}} and Reg Presley of the Troggs, a rock band who had a number of hits in Britain and the United States such as "Wild Thing" and "Love Is All Around", were all born in Andover.
• The eminent 19th-century surgeon William Morrant Baker was also born in the town. He was best known for describing the condition Baker's cyst as well as being a lecturer, surgeon and governor at St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
• Sam Baker, novelist and editor in chief of Red Magazine, and previously editor of Cosmopolitan and Just Seventeen among other women's magazines, lived in the area as a child and went to Andover's Anton School, Winton School and Cricklade Sixth Form College.{{cite news |title=Passed/failed: An education in the life of Sam Baker, editor of 'Cosmopolitan' magazine |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/passedfailed-an-education-in-the-life-of-sam-baker-editor-of-cosmopolitan-magazine-478587.html |access-date=19 April 2011 |newspaper=The Independent |date=18 May 2006 |archive-date=11 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111054129/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/passedfailed-an-education-in-the-life-of-sam-baker-editor-of-cosmopolitan-magazine-478587.html |url-status=live}}
• Author and winemaker Cyril Berry lived in the town and served as its mayor in 1972–1973.
• Campaigner and broadcaster Katie Piper was brought up in Andover and retains strong links to the town.
• TV Presenter Richard Arnold was born in Hampshire. He grew up in Charlton, Andover, and went to Portway Junior School in Andover.{{cite web |date=2011 |title=Strictly Stars at School |url=http://www.portwayjunior.co.uk/strictly-stars-at-school-i-3398.php |publisher=portwayjunior.co.uk |access-date=19 May 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140519184358/http://www.portwayjunior.co.uk/strictly-stars-at-school-i-3398.php |archive-date=19 May 2014}}
• Roger Panes, a member of the Exclusive Brethren Christian evangelical cult, killed his family and himself in Andover in 1974.{{cite news |url=http://wikipeebia.com/in-memoriam/suicides/roger-panes-confirmed-murdersuicide/ |title=Roger Panes – Confirmed Murder/Suicide – WikiPeebia.com – PBCC |work=WikiPeebia.com |access-date=2017-05-25 |language=en-US |archive-date=16 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216082011/http://wikipeebia.com/in-memoriam/suicides/roger-panes-confirmed-murdersuicide/ |url-status=live}}
• Lord Denning, judge and Master of the Rolls, attended Andover Grammar School from 1 October 1909.{{cite web |date=2014 |title=Look Around, the newsletter of the Andover History and Archaeology Society |url=http://www.andover-history.org.uk/index.php/download_file/84/88/ |publisher=www.andover-history.org.uk |access-date=4 January 2017 |archive-date=5 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105002106/http://www.andover-history.org.uk/index.php/download_file/84/88/ |url-status=live}}
• Hanson Turner is a recipient of the Victoria Cross.
• Basil Hayles (1916–2007), first-class cricketer and British Army officer
• Joanna Jensen (born 1970), businesswoman specializing in skin care{{Cite web |date=2020-08-03 |title=New products from Childs Farm creator Joanna Jensen |url=https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/people/22572290.new-products-childs-farm-creator-joanna-jensen/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |website=Great British Life |language=en}}

• Cricket: Andover Cricket Club play in the Southern Premier Cricket League.
• Football: The town has two Non-League football clubs, Andover New Street F.C. which play at Foxcotte Park and Andover Town F.C. who play at the Portway Stadium. Andover was home to former Southern League side, Andover Football Club, which was dissolved in the summer of 2011. Andover Lions F.C., a new club formed shortly afterwards, competed in the Hampshire League 2004 and Hampshire Premier League between 2011 and 2017.{{cite news |url=http://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/sport/15088555.Andover_Lions__future_thrown_into_doubt_following_dramatic_exit_from_Hampshire_Premier_League/ |title=Andover Lions club secretary Chris Paris admits club may not return next season after dramatic exit from Hampshire Premier League |publisher=Andover Advertiser |author-first=James |author-last=Robinson |date=13 February 2017 |access-date=7 September 2017 |archive-date=8 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908015747/http://www.andoveradvertiser.co.uk/sport/15088555.Andover_Lions__future_thrown_into_doubt_following_dramatic_exit_from_Hampshire_Premier_League/ |url-status=live}}
• Hockey: Andover is home to Andover Hockey Club.
• Rugby Union: Andover R.F.C. are based in the town.
• Cycling: Andover is home to the Andover Wheelers.
• Triathlon: Andover is home to the Andover Triathlon Club.
• Archery: Andover is home to the Andover Archer Club.
• Lawn Bowls: Bowls has been played in Andover since 1913.

In Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot mystery The A.B.C. Murders, Andover is the site of the first murder.{{cn|date=August 2023}}

Andover is twinned with the towns of Redon in France,{{cite web |title=British towns twinned with French towns |url=http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705094933/http://www.completefrance.com/language-culture/twin-towns |archive-date=5 July 2013 |access-date=11 July 2013 |work=Archant Community Media Ltd}} Goch in Germany, and Andover, Massachusetts in the United States.{{cite web |title=Andover Town Twinning |url=http://www.andovertowntwinningassociation.hampshire.org.uk/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113004901/http://www.andovertowntwinningassociation.hampshire.org.uk/ |archive-date=13 November 2010 |access-date=19 April 2011 |publisher=Andover Town Twinning Association}}{{cite web |title=Andover, Hampshire, England twinning |url=http://andoverma.gov/twinning/uk.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505143136/http://andoverma.gov/twinning/uk.php |archive-date=5 May 2011 |access-date=19 April 2011 |publisher=Andover MA Town Council}}

• Amport House
• Andover workhouse scandal
• The Angel Inn – a 15th-century medieval coaching inn and the oldest building in Andover
• Army Air Corps
• Caldera UK (1996–1999), developers of OpenDOS/DR-DOS and WebSpyder

{{notelist|30em}}

{{reflist}}

• Body, G. (1984), PSL Field Guides – Railways of the Southern Region, Patrick Stephens Ltd, Cambridge, {{ISBN|0-85059-664-5}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikivoyage|Andover (England)}}

• {{cite EB9 |wstitle= Andover (1.) |volume= II |page=18 |short= 1}}
• {{Cite EB1911 |wstitle= Andover |volume= 1 |pages=966-967 |short=1}}
• [https://andover-tc.gov.uk/ Andover Town Council]
• [http://www.francisfrith.com/andover/ Andover photos, history and memories – Francis Frith]

{{Hampshire}}

{{Test Valley}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Towns in Hampshire

Category:Test Valley