Hempstead, Kent

Hempstead
A view from the west-facing slope of the Hempstead Valley
Hempstead Location within Kent
Population	5,000
OS grid reference	TQ775675
District	Medway
Unitary authority	Medway Council Hempstead and Wigmore (Ward)
Ceremonial county	Kent
Region	South East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	GILLINGHAM
Postcode district	ME7
Dialling code	01634
Police	Kent
Fire	Kent
Ambulance	South East Coast
UK Parliament	Gillingham and Rainham
List of places UK England Kent 51°21′00″N 0°34′16″E / 51.350°N 0.571°E / 51.350; 0.571

Hempstead is a village near Gillingham, Kent in South East England. Historically a small hamlet, Hempstead grew throughout the 20th century to become part of the urban area of the Medway Towns. Hempstead is located on the southern edge of the Unitary authority of Medway, surrounded by Wigmore and the A278 trunk road (Hoath Way) to the east, Capstone valley to the west and the M2 motorway and the village of Bredhurst to the south. Most of Hempstead is in a valley, with Hempstead Valley Drive running along its length with housing on both sides.