Bevois ( ) is an
Electoral Ward
A ward is a local authority area, typically used for electoral purposes. In some countries, wards are usually named after neighbourhoods, thoroughfares, parishes, landmarks, geographical features and in some cases historical figures connected t ...
in the
Unitary Authority
A unitary authority is a type of local government, local authority in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Unitary authorities are responsible for all local government functions within its area or performing additional functions that elsewhere are ...
of
Southampton
Southampton is a port City status in the United Kingdom, city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England. It is located approximately southwest of London, west of Portsmouth, and southeast of Salisbury. Southampton had a population of 253, ...
,
England
England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...
comprising the suburbs
Bevois Valley,
Nicholstown and
Northam, with a population of 16,844.
The ward is bounded by (clockwise from north)
Portswood Ward,
Bitterne Park Ward,
Peartree Ward,
Bargate Ward and
Freemantle Ward.
The ward is part of the
Southampton Test constituency.
Origins
The ward was created by the
Boundary Committee Review in 2002 out of parts of the old St Lukes Ward and
Bargate Ward to the south. The name change was proposed by
Southampton City Council
Southampton City Council is the local authority of the city of Southampton in the ceremonial county of Hampshire, England. Southampton has had a council since medieval times, which has been reformed on numerous occasions. Since 1997 the council ...
and the
Liberal Democrats, the latter arguing that “the conversion of St Lukes Church to a Sikh temple has removed the sole surviving landmark bearing the former ward name," and that the new name better reflected local community ties.
In contrast with ''St Lukes'', the name ''Bevois'' has a strong attachment to the area, which contains landmarks such as Bevois Town Primary School and Church, and Bevois Castle Pub and Hotel. These landmarks, like the area, gleaned their names from the legend of
Bevis of Hampton, who was said to have thrown up the mound of dirt that became Bevois Mount to obstruct the Danes in their endeavours to cross the
River Itchen.
In the 2011 Census 39.2% of the population of Bevois Ward was born outside the UK.
References
Wards of Southampton
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