Did you know that Bracknell Forest was once the favourite haunt of devious highwaymen, provided a sanctuary for Catherine of Aragon and was home to Prime Minister George Canning?
The Bracknell borough is a hot bed of history just waiting to be tapped into this autumn as part of Heritage Open Days, organised by Bracknell Forest Council.
Why not learn more about how Sandhurst developed over the 20th century or hear some gruesome tales about how The Old Manor pub was a highwayman’s paradise and is allegedly haunted by ghouls?
Family friendly events include:
- SNAP Bracknell – a look at how local residents have recorded their own impressions of Bracknell town centre over the past year. Exhibition held in Charles Square between 11am and 3pm between Thursday, September 9, and Saturday, September 11.
- People’s Museum – display of residents’ artwork which was compiled under artist Jon Lockhart’s guidance earlier this year with the theme of their favourite possession. Display held in Bracknell Charles Square between 11am and 3pm between Thursday, September 9, and Saturday, September 11.
- Sandhurst Then and Now – discover how the town has been transformed from a small village in to a town with this exhibition by Sandhurst Memorial Committee. Display at Yorktown Road on Thursday, September 9, between 10am and 7pm
- Gruesome Tales from Bracknell – horrendous highwaymen, mysterious escapes and haunting hosts will be explored at this look beyond The Old Manor’s history. Suitable for families with children aged 10 and over, it will run from 10am to 11am on Saturday, September 11, and Sunday, September 12. Booking required by calling 01344 352000.
- Easthampstead Park Mansion – royalty runs through the walls of this house, which was selected by Catherine of Aragon as her retreat when Henry VIII planned to divorce her and was oftern frequented by Richard III. Find out more between 10.30am and noon on Saturday, September 11. Booking required by calling 01344 423440.
- Pope’s Meadow and Manor Magical Trail and Tales – encounter trolls, genies and princesses on this enchanting trail led by famous children’s author Clare Bevan on Saturday, September 11, from 2pm to 4pm. Suitable for children aged five to 12 – booking required by calling 01344 354441.
- Lily Hill Park History Walk – take a step back in time with a guided walk around the park and the mansion, which was built in 1850, on Sunday, September 12, from 2pm to 4pm. The walk starts from the main car park at 2pm.
Other Bracknell events on offer include a trail of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene Church in Easthampstead, a historic walk around Warfield, a ramble around Caesar’s Camp, a behind the scenes tour of Berkshire Record Office, and tours of South Hill Park’s grounds, Newbold College gardens and St Michael’s and All Angels’ Church in Sandhurst.
Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for Bracknell culture, corporate services and public protection, said: "Bracknell Forest has a varied and interesting history and so to celebrate our borough’s heritage there are an abundance of events taking place this September. With something to suit everyone, why not dig into the past and join one of the fun-filled activities taking place?"
For more information and directions to any of the events call 01344 352000
Bracknell Forest Council