Historically a small hamlet, Hempstead grew throughout the 20th century to become part of the urban area of the Medway Towns.

Hempstead is located on the southern edge of the Unitary authority of Medway, surrounded by Wigmore and the A278 trunk road (Hoath Way) to the east, Capstone valley to the west and the M2 motorway and the village of Bredhurst to the south.

The hamlet's earliest 16th century farmhouse still stands and is Grade II listed by Historic England;[1] lands owned by this farm bequeathed to regional administration became Hempstead Playing Fields.

[3] During the Battle of Britain in October 1940, a Royal Air Force Hawker Hurricane flown by Flight Lieutenant Ian James Muirhead DFC crashed at Spekes Bottom, near Hempstead.

More recent planning applications made to Medway Council for the development of areas west of Hempstead, around Capstone and towards Princes Park, have at present been staved off.

The village centre houses a pharmacy and a Co-Op convenience store, as well as an Indian restaurant and a pub, The Flying Saucer & nearby The Valley Baker offering occasion cakes and sweet treats by appointment/booking only .

They have recently provided the children with new amenities, such as a new climbing wall, a gazebo (officially opened by local comedian Joe Pasquale) and various other playground decorations and playthings.