RNS Number:0256N
Hampton Trust  PLC
01 July 2003



HAMPTON TRUST PLC


1 JULY 2003


STATEMENT RE. PREFERENCE DIVIDEND



The Board of Hampton Trust PLC (the "Company") wishes to remind the holders of
the Company's 5 1/2% (net) Cumulative Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares of
#1 each (the "Convertible Preference Shares") that the Company is unable to pay
the dividend to holders of the Convertible Preference Shares which was due on 1
July 2003. As set out in its circular to holders of the Convertible Preference
Shares dated 2 October 2002, the Company has insufficient distributable reserves
to pay any dividends and will not be able to do so until it has sufficient
reserves available for distribution. Dividends will accumulate in accordance
with the Company's Articles of Association.


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