Winkfield
According to the Domesday Book the village of Winkfield dates back to 942AD when it was owned by Saethryth, a nun. At one time the parish of Winkfield covered large areas of Bracknell and Ascot and was thought to be the largest in the country. Today it is one of the largest parishes in Berkshire. Winkfield Street, North Street, Winkfield Down and Chavey Down are the four main areas that make up the village of Winkfield, with a number of fine buildings situated in the parish.
The Church of St. Mary's dates from the 13th century and contains many items of historical value. A tablet dated 1685 is sited on the north wall of the church, in memory of Thomas Wise who was master mason to Charles II. One of the wooden pillars down the centre of the church is noted for its carving of a Tudor Rose and dated 1592 ER. Another pillar was donated by Queen Victoria in 1887, with the last to be built in 1908 with the consent of Edward VII. The impressive red brick tower built in 1629 was to replace the old wooden belfry. Inside, the spiral staircase leads to the clock mechanism with the bell chamber on the upper floor containing a ring of six bells dating from 1597 to 1874.
The Pump Room, a Spa built in1800 is situated on Orchard Lea. With its half timbering, red bricks and gothic windows it is an amazing mixture of architectural style. The front two-story porch once housed a minstrel's gallery which was large enough to contain a small orchestra. With the mineral spring now covered in the only notable item remaining from the original Spa is a pump which is in a corner of the main room. The house was owned by 'Pink Floyd's' Rick Wright in the 80's. The building has since been converted into three small cottages.
'Foliejon' a 14th century moated manor once known as Bellestre, is another of the majestic sights in Winkfield, with entrances from Drift Road and Chawridge Lane. Edward II gave the house to the Bishop of Bath and Wells John Drockenford in 1302. The house was renovated in1800 by owner Thomas Bingley and this is the building that is seen today. From 1804 four generations of the William Blane family lived there during which time they were to restore St. Hubert's Well, the mineral water spring. A later tenant was Princess Hatzfeldt-Wildenburg. Her horse, Ascetic Silver, winner of the 1906 Grand National, is buried at Foliejon.
The area known as Winkfield Row has since been reduced and is now concentrated around St.Mary's School, the Working Man's Club and what used to be called The White Horse public house. One of the former owners of the pub was 'Mungo Jerry’s’ lead singer Ray Dorset. Nearby stands Lambrook School, a private prep school for boys since the 1860's. Two of its famous pupils were W.C. Sellar and R.J. Yeatman who wrote the classic spoof '1066 and All That.'
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