By Tim Lambert
950 The king builds a royal hunting lodge at Andover
962 A king holds a meeting of the Saxon Witanagemot (parliament) at Andover
1086 At the time of the Domesday Book Andover has a population of about 500, making it a large village. Andover also has 6 watermills.
1141 Andover suffers a terrible fire but soon recovers
1175 Andover is given a charter (a document granting the people certain rights)
1256 The people of Andover are given the right to hold their own court for offences in the town
1348 The population of Andover is about 1,200, making it a small town. It is devastated by the Black Death but recovers. The main industry in Andover is making wool.
1435 Andover suffers another fire
1571 A free school is founded in Andover. The town is known for its leather workers.
1599 Andover is given a new charter. The population of Andover is about 2,000.
1750 Andover is a coaching town. Many stagecoaches pass through the town.
1757 A pest house is built in Andover (an isolation hospital for people suffering from infectious diseases)
1785 Ladies Walk is laid out in Andover
1789 A canal opens to Southampton
1803 The first theatre in Andover opens
1813 An iron foundry is founded in Andover
1815 A body of men is formed with powers to pave, clean, and light the streets of Andover
1838 Andover gains gas street light
1859 The canal to Southampton closes
1861 The population of Andover reaches 5,221
1875 Andover Water Company is formed
1877 A Fire Station opens in Andover
1887 A recreation ground opens by Common Acre
1897 A public library opens in Andover
1899-1902 A system of sewers is created under Andover
1911 Andover gains its first cinema
1920 A War Memorial is built
1926 The War Memorial Hospital opens in Andover
1927 Andover gains an electricity supply
1960 Andover has a population of 17,000
1961 A plan to expand Andover is made. Many people will move to Andover from London.
1964 The first new council houses are built. The railway to Southampton opens. The first factory in Walworth Estate opens.
1966 Twinings moves to Andover
1969 Andover bypass opens
1981 The population of Andover is 51,000
1986 The Museum of the iron age opens
2020 The population of Andover is 50,000