[4] With its name deriving from the Old English heorde wic, "herd [tending] settlement", farming is still the major industry of the parish.

Hardwicke was once renowned for its cider and cheese,[3] this may have led to its survival during the battle for Gloucester in the Civil War – neither side wanted to damage a source of much appreciated sustenance.

[8] Planning proposals have been put forward to Stroud District Council to build 1200 new dwellings on the South side of the parish.

The extant house was designed in neo-Classical style by Robert Smirke in 1817–19,[10] although it retains a canal feature from the early 18th-century gardens of the Trye family.

It has experienced certain restoration over the years, but still performs regular Church of England Sunday services and annual flower shows.

[15] Hardwicke Cricket Club runs several senior sides and has a successful youth section (Hawks).

The club enters league and cup competitions for all teams organised by the Stroud District Cricket Association.

[16] The village has a free magazine, "Hardwicke Matters" (started in 1989), that is delivered to 2,500 households and business in the parish and beyond.

His wife, Anne Boleyn, declared that she was too tired that day to face the pomp and ceremony of Henry's entry into the city of Gloucester.