About TBFS

Our society was formed in 2007. We are a local voice safeguarding heritage, the environment, community and the future of Bracknell and its countryside.

Below is the info about our next talk:

Our Next Talk

Wanderings with my
camera in the 1960s.

Do you know the answers to these questions about Bracknell?

• Bracknell was designated as a New Town in which year?

• Which now-demolished Bracknell pub was famous for having a stuffed lion's head mounted above the bar?

• What is the name of the secret underground Cold War bunker located near Bracknell?

• Which long-running British TV show filmed some of its early outdoor scenes in Bracknell?

• In the 1990s, Bracknell hosted a test site for which futuristic mode of transport?

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History and Development of Bracknell

Origins: The name Bracknell is derived from the Saxon "Braccan Heal," first recorded in AD 942. It was initially part of Windsor Great Forest and consisted of two small market villages, Old
Bracknoll and New Bracknoll, which merged into
a single market town by the 19th century, known
for its brick trade.

New Town: Designated as a New Town in 1949, Bracknell was planned to accommodate 25,000 people and later expanded in the 1960s to house 45,000. This development absorbed many surrounding villages including Easthampstead, Ramslade, and Old Bracknell, leading to a significant population increase. By 2021, Bracknell Forest's estimated population was around 113,205.[](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bracknell)

Regeneration: Bracknell has undergone substantial regeneration, particularly with the development of The Lexicon Shopping Centre, transforming the town into a modern commercial hub.[](https://www.duncanyeardley.co.uk/areas/bracknell/)

Geography and Accessibility
Location: Bracknell lies in the M4 corridor, offering easy access to London and Reading, making it an attractive spot for commuters.

Transport Links: Bracknell is well-served by road networks like the A329(M), connecting with the M4 at Junction 10, and the A322 linking to the M3. The town's train station provides direct services to London Waterloo and Reading.[](https://en.m.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Bracknell)

Surrounding Villages

Binfield: A charming village north of Bracknell, known for its rural feel while still offering
modern amenities. It's close to the M4, making
it another commuter-friendly location.

Warfield: To the north of Bracknell, Warfield
has retained much of its village ambiance
despite the encroachment of new development.
It includes notable areas like Warfield Park,
known for its green spaces.

Winkfield: Situated to the northeast, Winkfield
is part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead but closely linked to Bracknell. It includes historical sites like the 14th-century
St Mary's Church.

Easthampstead: Now part of Bracknell, Easthampstead was historically a separate
parish with landmarks like Easthampstead Park, which was once a royal hunting lodge.

Crowthorne: Whilst technically in Wokingham Borough, Crowthorne is closely associated with Bracknell due to its proximity. It's known for Broadmoor Hospital and has a more rural,
wooded character.

Ascot: Part of Bracknell Forest, Ascot is famous
for its racecourse, particularly the Royal Ascot
event. It's more affluent with a blend of old and
new architecture.

Cultural and Recreational Facilities

South Hill Park: A former mansion now serves
as an arts centre, hosting numerous events and performances.

Parks and Nature: Bracknell is surrounded by vast green spaces like Swinley Forest, offering walking and cycling trails, and is home to attractions like The Look Out Discovery Centre and Coral Reef Waterworld.

Shopping: Beyond The Lexicon, Bracknell includes smaller shopping areas like the Peel Centre, providing a variety of retail experiences.

Community and Lifestyle

Bracknell has a mix of residential areas with a focus on community living, with each neighborhood designed to have local amenities like schools, shops, and community centres.

The town and its surrounding villages offer a balance of urban convenience and countryside tranquility, appealing to a wide demographic from families to professionals.

Bracknell's journey from a modest village to a significant urban area reflects a successful integration of historical roots with modern living, making it a key location within the Thames Valley. text here...

Some Facts About Bracknell

These are our aims

About Bracknell

Bracknell, located in Berkshire, England, is a thriving town surrounded by beautiful countryside. Known for its modern urban center and extensive redevelopment, the town features a vibrant shopping district, The Lexicon, along with excellent leisure facilities. Bracknell also boasts proximity to natural beauty, including Swinley Forest, a haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts. With a blend of contemporary amenities and scenic rural landscapes, Bracknell offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to residents and visitors alike.

In the early years of Bracknell station it also featured a significant goods yard, reflecting its role in freight transport. The station underwent redevelopment in 1975, with the entrance now situated beneath the Bracknell Quintiles building

The first train from London arrived in Bracknell on 9th July 1856, following the extension of the South Eastern Railway's line from Ascot to Wokingham. This development connected Bracknell to London.

Bracknell and the Railway