Berkshire

Situated between Oxfordshire and   London, Berkshire shares many historical and geographical similarities with its neighbour. Like Oxfordshire, it was inhabited in neolithic times by prehistoric farmers, the Iberian, then by the Celts and then was invaded by the Romans and Vikings and like Oxfordshire it formed a key battleground in conquests of southern England by invading armies. Berkshire also like Oxfordshire was host to the Civil War during the mid 17th century between King and parliament, although Reading, its key town to the north firmly backed Parliament, unlike Oxford, the key city of Oxfordshire, which firmly backed the King. Reading grew up around its important royal abbey that was founded by Henry I in 1121, who is also buried there. English parliaments were held at the abbey until Henry VIII (1491-1547) sacked it and hanged its last Abbot, Hugh of Farringdon outside the Abbey's gates.

Apart from Reading Berkshire lacks large towns which is a great advantage if you want to escape the urban noise of London. Its beautiful countryside is peppered with small towns and sleepy villages nestling among the rolling downs and river valleys. To the east lies along the River Thames the historic small town of Windsor with its great castle and old architecture and across the river is the town of Eton with its world famous old school for boys. Further east is the small town of Ascot, which during early summer is host to the world famous festival of horse racing that also doubles up as one of the main social events of the year. To the west lie the medieval towns of Newbury, Hungerford and Lambourne together with a collection of ancient and picturesque villages such as Wallingford, which even today retains its 9th century ramparts.

All in all, the county of Berkshire opens up for the visitor the serene charm of the English traditional countryside. And with easy access from London by both rail and road, it makes for a perfect destination for anyone visiting Britain.