Pangbourne

On the banks of the Thames, Pangbourne has been an inhabited site since earliest times although its modern growth as a residential area started only with the coming of the railway.

The Saxons gave the place its name (they called it Penginga burnan).

Through the years Pangbourne has been linked with the river it was one of the earliest crossing places and the present bridge, erected in 1901, is the third on the site.

Pangbourne's church was built in 1718 and of this only the brick tower still stands The rest of the building was rebuilt in 1866.

Church Cottage was once the home of Kenneth Grahame, writer of `Wind in the Willows'.

By the river nearby is Pangbourne Meadow, a six acre National Trust property.

Outside the village and set above the village is Pangbourne College, an impressive building erected as a mansion by Sir John Belcher in 1897-8.
It became a nautical college in 1917 and trained boys for both the Royal and merchant navies.
Today its scope is broader and boys are prepared for professional careers as well as the services. The college has a long river frontage with boathouses and craft of all kinds and sizes.

Thomas Carter who was Lord Nelson's