Aldworth is a small village and civil parish, close to the northern edge of the English county of Berkshire, in the rural area between Reading, Newbury and Streatley. There are around 250 inhabitants in the parish, which also includes the neighbouring hamlet of Westridge Green.
History
Aldworth was recorded in the Domesday Book as Elleorde, an Old English name meaning Old Enclosure or Old Farm. During the 12th century it was known as Aldewurda. In medieval times there was a fortified manor or castle at Aldworth.
La Beche Castle once stood on the site of what is now merely Beche Farm in Aldworth. This was the main residence of the De La Beche family, after whom it was named. They were a well-known family of medieval knights holding many high positions at court since at least 1260.
The De La Beche family were powerful landowners and knights in the 14th century. Many of them were retainers to the king, warders to the Tower of London, and Sheriffs of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. The family were influential during the reign of Edward II and Edward III, and were embroiled in the royal intrigue of the time. Sir Phillip was imprisoned in Scarborough Castle from 1322 to 1327, but later pardoned by Edward III; His father, also Sir Philip was jailed and later pardoned during the reign of Edward II.
The tiny parish church at Aldworth contains numerous huge effigies of the De La Beche family. The figures are supposed to be life size representations, depicting knights all over seven feet tall. Known as the "Aldworth Giants", they were possibly erected by the most influential member of the family, Lord Nicholas De La Beche in the 1340s.
Unfortunately many of the effigies were vandalised by Cromwell's men during the English Civil War in the 17th century. Many of the knights are missing the lower part of their legs, noses and arms, no doubt the easiest parts to break off. They were probably seen as a symbol of royalty by the parliamentarians, although many churches were ransacked in the same period.
Location
Aldworth village is situated on the high ground of the Berkshire Downs, just off the B4009 road from Newbury to Streatley.
Nearby towns and cities: Reading, Newbury
Nearby villages: Streatley, Compton, Ashampstead, Hampstead Norreys, East Ilsley , Goring-On-Thames, Upper Basildon, Pangbourne
Local Government
Aldworth is a civil parish with an elected parish council. It falls within the area of the unitary authority of West Berkshire. Both the parish council and the unitary authority are responsible for different aspects of local government.
See also
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