Aldermaston

Settlement in Berkshire

England

Aldermaston

Red Lane at the junction of Spring Lane Credit: David Howard

Aldermaston is a village located in the county of Berkshire, England. Situated approximately 46 miles west of London, it is part of the West Berkshire district. The village is nestled between the towns of Reading and Newbury, and straddles the River Kennet.

Aldermaston is renowned for its historical significance, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Iron Age. Its name originates from the Old English words "aldær" meaning "elder tree" and "mæstun" meaning "farmstead." The village is home to the Grade I listed Aldermaston Court, a mansion dating back to the 17th century, which has served as a residence for notable figures throughout history.

One of the village's most notable features is the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), situated on the outskirts of Aldermaston. This facility has played a crucial role in the development of the United Kingdom's nuclear weapons program since the 1950s. AWE Aldermaston remains an active site for research, design, and manufacturing related to nuclear weapons.

Aldermaston also boasts a vibrant community, with amenities such as a primary school, a village hall, a library, and several pubs. The village is surrounded by picturesque countryside, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and fishing.

Overall, Aldermaston is a historically significant village with a mix of residential and industrial areas. Its rich history, coupled with its proximity to major towns and beautiful countryside, make it an attractive place to live and visit.

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Aldermaston Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.381832/-1.151683 or Grid Reference SU5965. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Red Lane at the junction of Spring Lane

David Howard

Spring Lane at the junction of Red Lane

David Howard

Red Lane heading for Aldermaston

The Ministry of Defence installation at Aldermaston Park is along the left side of the entire road.

David Howard

Red Lane is closed

The Boiler House Gate to the Aldermaston AWE is on the left.

Robin Webster

Rag Hill

The name of the lane.

Robin Webster

Old Trailer among the Bluebells

I wonder when this was abandoned here, and why. Woodland scene in the splendidly named Aqua Vitae Copse, according to the map.

Des Blenkinsopp

Starting to look like Summer, Kennet Valley

The last few warm days have brought nearly all the trees into leaf. This is by a not very much used footpath over the fields near Aldermaston Church.

Des Blenkinsopp

Pond near Upper Church Farm

An unremarkable small pond in a rather damaged looking bit of woodland.

Des Blenkinsopp

Low Security Fencing

Compared with the miles of heavy duty metalwork surrounding the Aldermaston atomic weapons place just down the road, this is kind of low key. I think there's a quarry somewhere beyond the trees.

Des Blenkinsopp

Fencepost in Black Pightle

Remains of an old fence in a wood called Black Pightle. Pightle is an old word that still crops up in place names round here. Definition "pightle (plural pightles) (archaic, dialectal) A small piece of enclosed land, often by a hedge. Some authorities also indicate that a pightle tends to be associated with a house or messuage." (Wiktionary) OK, now look up "messuage" etc. etc.... My auto-correct throws up "pigtail" which isn't much use.

Des Blenkinsopp