Petersfield is a market community and civil church in the East Hampshire area of Hampshire. The 2011 census taped the population as being 14,974. The town has its own train station on the Portsmouth Direct Line, the mainline rail link attaching Portsmouth and London. Located on the north inclines of the South Downs, Petersfield exists entirely within the South Downs National Park. The town was founded during the 12th century by William Fitz Robert, second Earl of Gloucester. The community expanded in prosperity due to its placement on frequently taken a trip routes, local lamb farming, as well as home sectors including natural leather and also towel. There were weekly markets in the town square for lamb, steed as well as livestock trading, and two annual fairs, in June (on the banquet of St Peter and St Paul) as well as November (on the banquet of St Andrew). A fall fair which began in the very early 19th century was held in October on The Heath, called "The Taro Fair". Petersfield's market square holds markets, and there are likewise month-to-month Farmers' markets. Stallholders and also farmers from Petersfield's French twin town Barentin visit Petersfield and hold a French market. Petersfield has numerous public residences and also bars. Petersfield has one nightclub, Vertigo. This is housed in the old Savoy cinema, a 1930's building used as a cinema up until its closure in 1985. Petersfield has 2 museums, both run by the Petersfield Museum Count On. Petersfield's Celebration Hall reveals plays and also performances throughout the year. Petersfield has a number of clubs and also groups for sporting activities. There is work in stores and also offices in the community centre, as well as farms in neighboring towns, while other individuals commute to London and also Portsmouth. Light industry includes Whitman Laboratories (component of Estée Lauder). For every one of your residence renovations, make sure to determine credible professionals in Petersfield to make particular of quality.