| BERKSHIRE |
| Basildon Park |
Off A329, 1.5 miles north of Pangbourne |
Set in 400 acres of wooded parkland above the Thames Valley, the house was classically
styled in Bath stone in 1776 by John Carr of York. After falling vacant in 1910 the
property deteriorated to a state of windowless dereliction. It was thoroughly restored
after the Second World War by Lord and Lady Iliffe, who brought in 18th century paintings,
furniture and fittings to harmonise with the setting. The results are both serene and
elegant. |
| Donnington Castle |
Off B4494, 1 mile north of Newbury |
This is an authentic ruin: the gatehouse, built in 1386, of a once much larger
medieval house. In truth it was never quite a castle - more of a fortified manor. Visitors
can still admire the elaborate earthwork defences dug by the Royalists in 1644 to defend
their stronghold against a large Parliamentarian army. Royalist colonel Sir John Boys held
out for two years. By the time he and his garrison eventually surrendered in 1646,
Cromwell's cannons had razed most of the castle to the ground. |
| Eton College |
In centre of Eton |
Eton College remains world-renowned for its historic pedigree. The school has
bequeathed 20 prime ministers to the nation. A museum of Eton Life traces the history of
the college from its foundation by Henry VI in 1440. Some of the buildings seen by
visitors date back to the same period, including the Chapel. Other notable buildings were
added in the 16th century, including the west range of the Cloisters and Lupton's Tower. |
| Newbury District Museum |
In the Wharf, off Newbury Market Place |
The district museum is situated in the town's Jacobean Cloth Hall and extends to an
18th century Granary. The varied displays include material connected with the history of
local weaving. Among other displays are fossils, archaeological exhibits, costumes,
pewter, pottery and jewellery. Vintage cameras, hot-air ballooning and the story of the
Kennet and Avon Canal provide further themes for displays. Visitors can admire the old
town stocks, and there is an audiovisual show dramatising events of the Civil War at
Newbury. |
| Queen Mary's Doll's House |
Centre of Windsor |
Displayed near the State Apartments, the doll's house was built in 1921-4 to designs
by Sir Edwin Lutyens at a scale of one-twelfth life size, so its occupants are about 6in
tall. Miniature paintings grace its walls, and the little books in the library were
written in by Rudyard Kipling, G.K. Chesterton and others. Drawings from the castle's
superb collection are on view nearby. |
| Reme Museum, Arborfield |
Off A327, 5 miles south of Reading |
Life-size tableaux and large model dioramas are used at Arborfield to show the history
and many-sided work of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. From them the
visitor learns how the corps sprang out of the rapid growth of military technology from
the outset of the Second World War; this meant that a single, unified body of soldier
engineers and technicians was required to maintain equipment. REME was set up in October
1942 and made responsible for equipment ranging from radar systems to tanks, lorries and
guns. |
| St George's Chapel |
Centre of Windsor |
The banners of the Knights of the Garter hang over their helms in the choir of St
George's Chapel, the chapel of the Order, which Edward III founded in 1348. Built between
1475 and 1528, the present chapel is a glorious example of late Gothic architecture, with
soaring piers breaking into graceful fan vaulting. Ten monarchs are buried there. |
| State Apartments |
Centre of Windsor |
The magnificently furnished rooms on the precipitous north flank of Windsor Castle are
still used on official occasions. The Queen's Presence Room remains as decorated in
1675-83 for Charles II, who employed the Neapolitan painter Antonio Verrio for the superb
ceiling. Its figures seem to spill onto the panelled walls, which are adorned by fine
Gobelins tapestries and royal portraits in a flood of colour. The outsize suit of armour
overlooking the Grand Staircase was made in 1540 for the portly Henry VIII. |
| Swallowfield Park |
Off B3349, 6 miles south-east of Reading |
The house was built in 1690 for the 2nd Earl of Clarendon but much remodelled in the
18th century. Notable features include a charming little oval vestibule, restored to its
original appearance and containing the arms of the Clarendon family. The original doorway
was removed during later alterations and now serves as a feature of the walled garden. The
beautifully landscaped garden covers 4 acres. |
| The Household Cavalry Museum |
Centre of Windsor |
Colourful uniforms of the Blues and Royals are on view at the Household Cavalry Museum
in Combermere Barracks, on the B3022. Exhibits cover the history of the Regiments of
Household Cavalry - bodyguards and escorts of the sovereign - from their beginnings in
Charles II's reign through to the age of armoured and motorised transport. |
| The Royal Mews |
Centre of Windsor |
The elegant Scottish State Coach of 1830 holds pride of place in the Royal Mews
Exhibition in St Albans Street. Burford House beside it was built for Nell Gwyn in the
1670s and now displays gifts presented to the royal family. |
| Windsor Great Park |
Off A332, south of Windsor |
Sprawling for 4800 acres south of Windsor Castle, Windsor Great Park is the remnant of
a much vaster royal hunting forest which once covered much of southern Berkshire.
Nevertheless, the park remains large enough to satisfy the most energetic visitor, with
marvellous walking and some fine views which include the vista up the famous Long Walk - a
3 mile avenue leading from a statue of George III on horseback to the walls of the castle.
In the forest and park, many ancient oaks still flourish, together with pines, cedars and
beeches. |
