The Henry Cook Centre stands as a lasting tribute to the work and vision of Henry Cook – a 19th-century local missionary, teacher, and advocate for the poor and marginalised. Today, the Centre continues this legacy through faith-led community service, educational support, and outreach, rooted in the same Christian values that Henry Cook held dear. Uniquely situated in the heart of Gosport Town Centre, The Henry Cook Centre has no paid staff and is run entirely by dedicated volunteers.
The Centre’s origins can be traced back to the mid-1800s when Henry Cook began his work with seafarers, orphans and those in need across Gosport and Portsmouth. Henry Cook’s original charity efforts were split between two historic causes:
A mission dedicated to proclaiming the Gospel to the public, often through the use of ships, harbours and community halls.
An educational and residential mission offering support, teaching, and shelter to disadvantaged children and young people.
These two streams of ministry – one spiritual, the other practical – came together in what we now know as The Henry Cook Centre.
In 2018, the Trustees formally re-named the building in honour of Henry Cook’s legacy, preserving the charity’s roots while responding to the changing needs of modern-day Gosport. The Centre now brings together both charitable and Christian outreach in one accessible, central location – a modern expression of Henry Cook’s original vision.
The Henry Cook Centre operates under two main charitable objects, as outlined by the Trustees:
To appropriate the premises to either religious or charitable purposes – or both – as the Trustees should think proper.
This dual-purpose model makes the Centre a truly unique place, allowing both community and Christian activities to thrive under one roof.
Available Monday to Friday, The Hall is used by local charities, support groups, and social initiatives working to improve lives in Gosport. Whether you’re looking for space for community meetings, wellbeing groups, or local support projects, The Hall is open to those who align with our governing documents principles.
On weekends, the building hosts Christian faith-based meetings and church services, currently led by the Waterside Support Group (formerly Waterside Bethel). Rooted in the Christian Gospel, these gatherings offer a safe space for worship, teaching, discussion and support, open to both believers and seekers.
Henry Cook’s work began on the streets and docks of Victorian Gosport – feeding the hungry, teaching the illiterate, and preaching hope to sailors and the poor. He later expanded his work through ragged schools, reading rooms, gospel ships, and even missions in France. His legacy lives on through the Centre that bears his name and the volunteers who continue his mission today.
Though the Centre has evolved, our core commitment remains unchanged:
To promote the Good News of Jesus Christ and support the poor and needy of Gosport.
We rely entirely on volunteers and donations to keep the Centre open and accessible. Whether you can offer time, skills, prayer, or financial support – your help makes a real difference.
📧 For general enquiries or hall bookings (Mon–Fri), contact:
contact@thehenrycookcentre.org
📧 For church or weekend enquiries, contact:
contact@thehenrycookcentre.org
📮 Postcode for mail:
The Henry Cook Centre
South Street
Gosport
Hampshire
PO12 1ES
Visit our Facebook page for opening dates and to explore newspapers and articles about Henry Cook’s life and mission.
