Things to do in Aldermaston, Berkshire
This charming village was probably settled as long ago as 1690 BC, according to archaeological evidence of postholes and cereal crops which have been discovered in the area.
Henry I gave the manor to the Achard family who built the Church of St Mary in the 13th century.
Some of the Norman structure still exists.
The manor passed down to the Forster family who in 1636 built a grand manor house.
It had Solomonic columns, fabulous artwork and mythical statues with beautifully laid out Jacobean gardens.
The Forsters also funded the almshouses which became known as Dixon's Cottages after the builder.
The Manor is now a corporate venue after the final Lord of the Manor died in 1929.
During World War II RAF Aldermaston was used as a Royal Air Force base for British and US aircraft. After the war it was used as a flying school and a civil airport.
In 1950 it became a controversial Atomic Weapons Research Establishment. Used for the development of nuclear weapons, it was the focus of many protests and marches by the CND.
Present Day Aldermaston
Aldermaston currently has a population of less than 1,000, according to the 2001 census. Crime in the village is exceptionally low with no cases of robbery since 2006.
The village has a village shop, a Parish Hall built in 1897 and a water fountain which commemorated the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
The William Pear was first cultivated by the schoolmaster in Aldermaston and a plaque commemorates the achievement.
Things to Do Around Aldermaston
The Kennet and Avon Canal runs nearby and offers quiet footpaths for walking and is a haven for wildlife.
To the south of the village is Aldermaston Raceway, used for banger racing and Demolition Derbies. There is also an off-road 4x4 course in the area.
Check out the 51 listed buildings in the village, many of which are built of unusual blue and red bricks.
Visit the magnificent Aldermaston Manor which is now a hotel and conference centre.
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Days Out in Aldermaston
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The Vyne (6 Miles)*
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Newbury Racecourse (7 Miles)*
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Basildon Park (8 Miles)*
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Beale Park (8 Miles)*
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Mapledurham House and Watermill (8 Miles)*
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Wellington Country Park (8 Miles)*
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Willis Museum (9 Miles)*
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Highclere Castle (10 Miles)*
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Greys Court (13 Miles)*
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Fawley Court (15 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Aldermaston
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Bucklebury (4 Miles)*
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Tilehurst (7 Miles)*
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Newbury (7 Miles)*
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Mapledurham (8 Miles)*
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Basingstoke (8 Miles)*
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Reading (9 Miles)*
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Enborne (9 Miles)*
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Winchfield (12 Miles)*
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Hartley Wintney (12 Miles)*
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Henley-on-Thames (14 Miles)*
Also near Aldermaston |
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