1 Changing landscape
‘The wooded hill where tiles are made’ is the meaning of Tygel-Hurst, as Tilehurst was once known in Saxon times. But is that really true? A little rummage through the history books and you soon discover that the tile industry didn’t really get underway in this area until the middle of the 17th century. During this time, Tilehurst used to encompass a huge area with many manors, the main manor house being in Calcot Park. It wasn’t until 1911 that the village became a part of the Borough of Reading. Following the Second World War there was a housing boom that turned Tilehurst into a large-scale residential area. Look past the 1950s and ’60s housing developments and you will still find a smattering of thatched cottages in among them.
2 Water, water everywhere
How many commuters drive west along the M4 towards Reading and wonder what on earth this large white tower is for? It has been supplying water to the area since it was installed by Reading Borough Council in 1932. It is often referred to as Park Lane Water Tower and supplements the water from the Bath Road Reservoir. It stands at 40 metres and has 169 steps to the top. There are some amazing panoramic views, taking in Didcot Power Station and Windsor Castle. It can hold 900,000 litres of water in two four-and-a-half metre tanks. That’s enough wet stuff to fill up about 5,000 bathtubs. More water might be needed however, as Reading’s Local Plan includes thousands of new homes for the area.
3 Top for tiles
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?
A national hero
He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up
Fruitful thinking
Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots
Remembering the fallen
The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look
A good grounding
Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham
