Petersfield is a market community and civil parish in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire. The 2011 demographics recorded the population as being 14,974. The community has its very own railway terminal on the Portsmouth Direct Line, the mainline rail link connecting Portsmouth and London. Positioned on the northern inclines of the South Downs, Petersfield lies wholly within the South Downs National Forest. The community was established during the 12th century by William Fitz Robert, second Earl of Gloucester. The town expanded in prosperity due to its position on frequently travelled courses, regional sheep farming, as well as cottage markets consisting of leather and also cloth. There were regular markets in the community square for lamb, steed and also livestock trading, and 2 yearly fairs, in June (on the banquet of St Peter and St Paul) and also November (on the feast of St Andrew). A fall fair which began in the early 19th century was held in October on The Health, called "The Taro Fair". Petersfield's market square holds markets, and also there are additionally monthly Farmers' markets. Stallholders and farmers from Petersfield's French twin town Barentin go to Petersfield as well as hold a French market. Petersfield has several public residences and bars. Petersfield has one nightclub, Vertigo. This is housed in the old Savoy cinema, a 1930's building utilized as a movie theater until its closure in 1985. Petersfield has 2 galleries, both run by the Petersfield Gallery Depend On. Petersfield's Festival Hall shows plays and also performances during the year. Petersfield has a variety of clubs and groups for sporting activities. There is employment in stores and also offices in the town centre, and also farms in neighboring villages, while other individuals commute to London as well as Portsmouth. Light sector consists of Whitman Laboratories (part of Estée Lauder). For every one of your home renovations, be certain to determine trustworthy experts in Petersfield to ensure of quality.