Birkshire
The Royal County of Berkshire, named due to the presence of Windsor Castle, is located to the west of London in the M4 corridor with none of the county further than around ten miles from the motorway. With the Norman Conquest of 1066 the strategic importance of the Thames valley became recognized, and the first Windsor Castle was built, later to become the main residence of the British royal family outside London.
Birkshire captured in beautiful watercolour
Runnymede
Stretching across two sides of the Thames, the historied hills and meadows of Runnymede and Ankerwycke offer an atmosphere of peace and contemplation.
As the site of the sealing of Magna Carta over 800 years ago, Runnymede is the birthplace of modern democracy. The American Bar Association Memorial pays homage to this historic event, while nearby a memorial to US President John F. Kennedy sits atop a hewn stone staircase twisting through boughs of oak and ash.
Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is a British racecourse, located in Ascot, Berkshire, England, which is used for thoroughbred horse racing.
The Royal Ascot is attended by Elizabeth II and other members of the British Royal Family arriving each day in a horse-drawn carriage with the Royal procession taking place at the start of each race day.
The world's most glamorous race day. Ladies Day at Royal Ascot is renowned with exquisite fashion and the most magnificent millinery creations.
Savill Garden
The Savill Garden is an enclosed part of Windsor Great Park in England, created by Sir Eric Savill in the 1930s. The garden includes woodland, ornamental areas and a pond.
The attractions include the New Zealand Garden, the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House and trees planted by members of the Royal Family. In June 2010, a new contemporary rose garden designed by Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam of Wilson McWilliam Studio was opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Dorney Court
Dorney Court is a grade I listed early Tudor manor house, dating from around 1440, located in the village of Dorney, Buckinghamshire, England. Renowned for its architectural importance and historical significance, little has changed in 600 years. The Estate has been the home of the Palmer family for nearly half a millennium, passing from father to son through the generations.
Dorney Court is open to the general public every afternoon in August and also on both May Bank Holiday Weekends.
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, parts of which are open to the public.
The park is shrouded in mystery and legend and for over 1,000 years the story of Herne the Hunter has been told. His ghost still appears wearing the antlers of a stag, riding a phantom black stallion at the head of a pack of black hounds. He appears to warn of times of trouble and gallops through Windsor Great Park only to disappear into thin air.
Eton College
Eton College is an independent boarding school for boys 13–18 years in the parish of Eton, near Windsor in Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as Kynge's College of
Our Ladye of Eton besyde Windesore (The King's College of Our Lady of Eton beside Windsor), as a sister institution to King's College, Cambridge, making it the 18th-oldest Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference school. Eton's history and influence have made Eton one of the most prestigious schools in the world.
Frogmore House
Standing about half a mile south of Windsor Castle in Windsor Home Park, Frogmore House was purchased for Queen Charlotte in 1792. Here the Queen was able to indulge her love of botany and laid out the garden with many rare and unusual plants.
At one time the house was the home of Queen Victoria's mother, the Duchess of Kent. After her death, her son-in-law, Prince Albert, commissioned the building of an elegant mausoleum to hold her remains. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of Frogmore's peaceful ambience and it became her favourite retreat.
Frogmore House and Gardens are only open to individuals on three Charity Open Days each year, when all proceeds are donated to specially selected charities.
Berkshire Pig
Berkshire pigs are a breed of pig that originated from Berkshire. During the 19th century the breed became very popular, enjoying patronage from the aristocracy, including Queen Victoria.
Today they are bred and raised in several parts of the world. In Japan Berkshire pork is know as Kurobuta, revered as the world’s best pork because of its rich, juicy, tender, flavoursome qualities.
Berkshire pigs can cope with most conditions and is well suited to an outdoor system. The average litter size for the Berkshire is 9.98 piglets and the breed is known for having good maternal instincts. It is a docile breed that is easily managed.
