About Berkshire

Berkshire is a county in the south of England, located to the west of London. The county town is Reading, and the largest town is Maidenhead. The county is home to a number of historic towns and villages, including Windsor, the site of Windsor Castle, and Ascot, famous for its horse racing. The area is also home to a number of National Trust properties, including Basildon Park and Faringdon House.

The county of Berkshire is steeped in history. The first recorded use of the name was in the 11th century, when it was used as a border county between England and Wales. In the 12th century, the county was given to Henry I by his wife, Matilda of Scotland. Berkshire then became a royal hunting ground, and many of the royal forests were located in the county.

In the 13th century, Berkshire was divided into two parts: East Berkshire and West Berkshire. East Berkshire was under the control of the Sheriff of Berkshire, while West Berkshire was under the control of the Bishop of Salisbury.

During the English Civil War, Berkshire was a Parliamentarian stronghold, and Reading was the site of a major battle in 1643. In the 18th century, Berkshire became known for its horse racing, and Ascot Racecourse was founded in 1711.

The county of Berkshire is home to a number of famous people. The writer Jane Austen lived in the county for most of her life, and her novels are set in many of the towns and villages in Berkshire. Other notable residents include Sir Winston Churchill, who was born in Blenheim Palace; Oscar Wilde, who was imprisoned in Reading Gaol; and J.K. Rowling, who wrote the Harry Potter books while living in the village of Tutsham.

Berkshire is a beautiful county with a rich history and a variety of things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring its towns and villages, visiting its historic buildings, or enjoying its countryside scenery, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in Berkshire.