07-12-2010, 07:54 AM
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Episode 9 Berkshire
BerkshireIs a historic county in the South East of England. It is also often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire because of the presence of the Royal residence of Windsor Castle.
Historically the county town was Abingdon, but in 1867 the town of Reading superseded Abingdon in this role.
In 1974 local government reorganisation moved Abingdon and several other north-west Berkshire towns into Oxfordshire. A later reorganisation, in 1998, abolished Berkshire County Council, although retaining Berkshire as a ceremonial county.
Eton
Is best known for its world famous ancient public school, which was attended by both Prince Harry and William, and many former British Prime Ministers. Apart from its strong rowing tradition, Eton is also famous for the 'Eton Wall Game', which is a hybrid of rugby and football and dates back to before 1766.
Eton is well worth a visit, especially when visiting Windsor, as it is just a short walk across the Thames via Windsor Bridge.
Newbury
This is an old town with a long illustrious history. It is fortunate to be surrounded by the stunning countryside of the North Wessex Downs, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Downs rising up from the Valley of the Kennet south of the town. Newbury's position on the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal, has in the past contributed greatly to the town's prosperity.
As early as the 15th century there was a factory here employing almost 1000 wool-weavers. Many have considered this to be England's first real factory, it was established by John Winchcombe, who later became known as Jack of Newbury.
The history of the town as a cloth-making centre is recalled in the beautiful three storied Jacobean property known as the Old Cloth Hall. This building is on the Wharf, it now houses the West Berkshire Museum.
This town was the scene of two English Civil War battles. These took place in 1643 and 1644, locally they are known as the first (1643) and second (1644) Battles of Newbury.
At the centre of the town is the elaborate Corn Exchange, this was built in 1861 to a design by J.S.Dodd, it perfectly reflects the elegance of 19th century architecture and the prosperity of the town traders.
Today, the Corn Exchange serves as a theatre with regular stage performances, a bar and a cafe, the building also makes a grand back-drop for the town's lively open-air market.
During the 20th century Newbury was used by the military, a large Airforce base was established during the Second World War, and in the 1950's it became a base for U.S. Airforce bombers and tankers.
Reading
The settlement was founded at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet in the 8th century as Readingum.
In late 870 an army of Danes invaded the then kingdom of Wessex and set up camp at Reading.
On 4 January 871, the first Battle of Reading took place, when an army lead by King Ethelred and his brother Alfred the Great attempted unsuccessfully to breach the Danes' defences. The battle is described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and this account provides the earliest known written record of the existence of the town of Reading.
The Danes remained in Reading until late in 871, when they retreated to winter quarters in London.
After the Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest of England, William the Conqueror gave land in and around Reading to his foundation of Battle Abbey.
In its 1086 Domesday Book listing, the town was explicitly described as a borough.
From 1714, and probably earlier, the role of county town for Berkshire was shared between Reading and Abingdon. Previously the county town of Berkshire, Abingdon is one of several places that claim to be Britain's oldest continuously occupied town, with people having lived there for at least 6,000 years.
It was transferred from Berkshire to Oxfordshire in 1974.
Reading Abbey was founded by Henry I in 1121, and he is buried within the Abbey grounds
in 1538 the Abbey was largely destroyed during Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. The last abbot, Hugh Cook Faringdon, was subsequently tried and convicted of high treason and hanged, drawn and quartered in front of the Abbey Church.
Windsor, or rather Royal Windsor
A seductive mix of history and romance with a unique atmosphere.
It is a place where the sense of history is never far away, it is a town where the English have gathered to pay homage to British King's and Queens, ever since the great castle was first begun on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1066.
That being so, Windsor acts like a magnet to visitors from all around the globe, millions flood the town year after year, and nearly all depart touched with a little bit of Windsor magic, and overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the place.
As beautiful Royal Windsor certainly is, there cannot be a more splendid sight than the mighty fortress perched on the top of the hill overlooking the historic River Thames.
Not only does Windsor have the largest inhabited Royal castle in the world, it also has historic St.Georges Chapel, the setting for the famous Garter ceremony when the Knights of the Garter led by the Queen, parade in full regalia through the streets leading from the castle to the chapel.
The stately "Long Walk" created by Charles II, is the longest of its kind anywhere, and the Home Park which runs up to the castle ramparts has Frogmore mausoleum, burial place of Queen Victoria and her beloved Prince Albert.
Eaton college bristles with history. It was founded for the education of boys in 1440 by Henry VI. Throughout its illustrious history the college has educated members of foreign royalty, 19 British Prime Ministers, including the Duke of Wellington and most recently Prince William and Prince Harry.
The dress code for the college is considered 'quaint' by many, it remains the same today as when it was introduced more than 150 years ago. The young men all wear black tailcoat, waistcoat and pin striped trousers.
Historic Runnymede, an attractive water meadow alongside the river Thames where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215 is just a short drive away.
This is one of England's most important social and historic documents, the charter establishes the principle of constitutional monarchy and accedes the right of justice and liberty for each individual.
No overview of Windsor would be complete without a mention of the River Thames. This great waterway has a history running parallel with both the throne and the British people. As it flows its course through Windsor it passes picturesque reaches and flows through quiet water-meadows.
Windsor has all this and more but to know Windsor you have to experience it. Visit Windsor I promise you that you will not be disappointed.
Ascot
Did you know that Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711.
Colnbrook
Did you know that here in 1825 Richard Cox grew the first Cox's Apples
The Ostrich pub in Colnbrook is the 3rd oldest pub in all England. King John stayed here on his way to sign the Magna Carta in 1215
Maidenhead
Did you know that Maidenhead is home to the widest brick arch bridge in the world - built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1838.
Famous People
Louis Mountbatten - Great grandson of Queen Victoria.
Arthur Negus - English antiques expert
Ranulph Fiennes - English explorer
Stanley Spencer - English Painter
Humphrey Lyttleton - English jazz trumpeter and bandleader.
Geraldine McEwan - Actress
Episode 10 Kent
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