Though Hogsmeade did not reach it's current status until recently, its founding occurred centuries prior, around 1000 C.E.

Hengist of Woodcroft fled his home due to muggle persecution, founding the small community near Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though prior to the exodus of 1877 it was never particularly large—no more than six families had lived there permanently at any given time—it had its bustling periods from time to time, such as the Goblin Rebellion of 1612. There was also always at least one traveler at The Three Broomsticks, which Hengist himself founded.

As part of their mandate, the Ministry of Magic has always conferred with the monarch and prime minister on matters of security, requiring that both parties know of the existence of wizardkind.

In the spring of 1877, one of Queen Victoria's ministers attempted to kill her using magic she had not known he possessed. Livid that someone so close to her could do something so vile, the queen blamed magic for the event, and launched a crusade against those who practiced it. To prevent the spread of this information outside of the country, obliviators were stationed at every port to ensure travelers would not take this knowledge with them. However, removing the truth from the entire population was a much larger undertaking. By summer, many magical families became "found out" by their muggle neighbors, and relocated to their historical, magic-only stronghold. Slowly, houses were built and refurnished, business created and reestablished, and the wizarding families created a society of their own.

Hogsmeade continued to grow and thrive until the summer of 1884, when a particularly dry season saw fire rip through the community, destroying much of Wellingtonshire and most of the High Street. While most of what was destroyed was later rebuilt, this served as a turning point for Hogsmeade as the magical community began to once more look outside its borders to find a home. The community now remains large and bustling, but growth has diminished in the years since.

The village is composed of several distinct areas, each with their own blend of residents.

The High Street is the main commercial stretch in the village. Constantly bustling even into the nighttime hours, the only residents of the street are those who live above or in the businesses that they operate. The street sees regular patrols from local constables and Ministry aurors alike to safeguard patrons from all walks of life.

Wellingtonshire is home to the community's most wealthy, and is restricted from an OOC perspective to members of the upper class. Streets are manicured and well-lit, while houses are large from the outside and even larger within. Though land is at a premium in Hogsmeade, residents of Wellingtonshire all have at least a modest lawn brought about by money, magic, or a combination of the two. Wellingtonshire sees constant patrols by the village's constabulary, and many houses are warded against burglars.

Bartonburg North is a more modest neighbourhood located north of the High Street. From an OOC perspective, it is restricted to members of the middle class. Due to its distance from the slums, prices are generally a bit higher than those in Bartonburg South, though the regions have similar design and policing. Residents of the North are often upper-level Ministry workers or healers and their families, or those who have investments or inheritance to fall back on. Homes are known to be stacked aslant on top of one another, though naturally the magic ingrained into the architecture makes the homes of the Bartonburg District sturdy, cozy, and just big enough for your average family. Bartonburg North sees regular patrols by the village's constabulary.

Bartonburg South is very similar to its northern counterpart and located sorth of the High Street. From an OOC perspective, it is restricted to members of the middle class. Location makes it less expensive than Bartonburg North, though the regions have similar design and policing. Residents of the South are often those with less of a cushion in case of hard times, or those who have risen to middle class status only in the last generation. Homes are known to be stacked aslant on top of one another, though naturally the magic ingrained into the architecture makes the homes of the Bartonburg District sturdy, cozy, and just big enough for your average family. Bartonburg South sees regular patrols by the village's constabulary.

The Slums are hardly anyone's idea of an ideal home, and are OOC restricted to members of the working class. Smaller homes definitely in need of some TLC are the norm, though knowledge of some solid housekeeping skills can make even these residences quite cozy. The biggest downside to living here is how infrequent constabulary patrols are—bar the "hotter" areas after dark, residents hardly ever see the local police on their street.

Pennyworth was the answer to the question "Why should we live like this?" After a rash of murders in the Slums—and even Bartonburg South and the High Street!—in 1886, this district was redeveloped to move in a higher quality of working class citizen. Shanties gave way to brick row-houses, and dark, dirt roads to cobbles and gaslights. The neighbourhood sees regular patrols from the local constabulary. From an OOC perspective, residences is restricted to members of the working class with a reputation of 5 or higher. Individuals at pay level six could afford only a room in a boarding house, whereas dual earners in pay level five or higher could manage to afford a reasonable family home.

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