Aldermaston

Aldermaston is a typical Berkshire village on a slope of the Kennet Valley between Newbury and Reading.
An ancient place, for in the grounds of Aldermaston Court (a l7th century mansion rebuilt in Victorian times after a fire and now used as a correspondence college), is an earthwork that was built in the 5th century by the Britons to defend themselves against the Saxons.

Aldermaston church is mostly of Norman and l3th century construction but the tower was added a century later. Of great interest are the wall paintings of different dates including a fine one of St. Christopher carrying Christ with a mermaid and fish at his feet.

The older houses of the village group attractively by the road with the l7th century Hinds Head Inn as one of the most pleasing and hospitable buildings. Behind it is the old village lock-up.