Hook, London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hook |
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 St Paul's Church |
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 Hook
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| Population | 18,973 (Chessington North and Hook and Chessington South wards 2011) |
| OS grid reference | TQ183641 |
| London borough | |
| Ceremonial county | Greater London |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | CHESSINGTON |
| Postcode district | KT9 |
| Dialling code | 020 |
| Police | Metropolitan |
| Fire | London |
| Ambulance | London |
| EU Parliament | London |
| UK Parliament |
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| London Assembly |
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Hook is a lively suburban area in southwest London, England. It's part of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Hook is about 12 miles (19.3 km) southwest of Charing Cross, a famous spot in central London.
Some of the places nearby include Hinchley Wood, Long Ditton, Surbiton, Tolworth, and Chessington. Hook is also part of the Chessington post town.
During World War II, around 1938, a special RAF (Royal Air Force) base opened in Hook. It was a depot for barrage balloons. These were large balloons that floated in the sky, holding up steel cables to stop enemy aircraft from flying low. This base was later known as RAF Chessington. After the war, it became a hospital. In the 1990s, the old base was taken down and new homes were built there.
Getting Around Hook
Hook is located right on the A243 road, which is a main route for cars and buses. If you prefer to travel by train, Chessington North railway station is just a short walk away to the east. This makes it easy for people in Hook to travel to other parts of London and beyond.
Historic Buildings in Hook
Even though many old buildings were changed or destroyed during World War II, Hook still has some interesting historic homes. In the entire Chessington post town area, only three buildings are officially "listed," meaning they are protected because of their special history or architecture. Two of these are right here in Hook!
One of these special buildings is at 325 Hook Road. It's a two-story house from the 1800s. It has a fancy front doorway with decorative columns. The second historic house is at 435 Hook Road. This house has a date inscribed on it from 1669, making it very old! While it has been updated over the years, it probably has a timber frame underneath its brick walls. Its sides and back are covered in weather-board, and it has a steeply sloped roof.
Famous People from Hook
Hook has been home to some interesting people. One famous person was Harry Hawker. He was a very brave test pilot and racing car driver who worked at Brooklands, a famous motor racing track. Harry Hawker lived on Hook Road until he sadly died in a flying accident at Hendon Aerodrome. He is buried in the churchyard of St Paul's Church in Hook.
