Fascinating Facts About Bracknell: History, Transformation & Innovation!

Think you know Bracknell? Well, this article is packed with compelling Facts about Bracknell, from its deep-rooted history to surprising local highlights.

As a local business Easthampstead Park is excited to share the remarkable story of Bracknell's journey from a modest market village to a thriving commercial hub with a unique character all its own.

Whether you've lived here your entire life or are considering making Bracknell your home, these insights will give you a deeper appreciation for this often-overlooked gem just 25 miles west of London.

Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Bracknell is a town that has quietly transformed itself from humble beginnings into one of the South East's most dynamic communities.

From ancient origins to cutting-edge technology centres, Bracknell's story is one of constant reinvention and community spirit. We hope you enjoy the read!

Key Takeaways

• Bracknell evolved from a small Anglo-Saxon settlement to a designated New Town in the 1960s, completely transforming its landscape and purpose
• The town serves as a major technology hub, hosting UK headquarters for global companies like 3M, Dell, and Fujitsu, earning it the nickname "Silicon Thames Valley"
• The £240 million regeneration project that created The Lexicon in 2017 revolutionised the town centre with 70 new shops and restaurants
• Despite its commercial success, Bracknell maintains abundant green spaces, including the 2,600-acre Swinley Forest, a Site of Special Scientific Interest
• Bracknell offers excellent transport connectivity with direct rail links to London and Reading, plus easy access to the M3 and M4 motorways

Facts About Bracknell: A Concise List

1. Bracknell is a town and civil parish in Berkshire, England, located approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of central London.
2. It serves as the administrative centre of the Borough of Bracknell Forest.
3. The town covers an area of approximately 42 square miles (109 square kilometres).
4. As of the 2021 Census, Bracknell Forest had a population of 113,205.
5. The name "Bracknell" is first recorded in a charter from 942 AD as "Braccan heal", meaning "nook of land belonging to a man called Bracca".
6. Bracknell was designated as a New Town in 1949 to accommodate population overspill from London.
7. Easthampstead Park is a historic former royal hunting lodge and now a hotel and events venue.
8. The Quelm Stone is a prehistoric standing stone located in the suburb of Quelm Park.
9. Caesar's Camp is an Iron Age hill fort located just over the Bracknell border in Crowthorne.
10. Bill Hill is a Bronze Age barrow and scheduled monument located in southern Bracknell.
11. The Church of St Michael and St Mary Magdalene in Easthampstead (at least the site does) dates back to at least the 11th century and features Victorian-era restorations.
12. Bracknell is served by two railway stations: Bracknell and Martins Heron, both on the Waterloo to Reading line.
13. The town is connected by the A329(M) and lies between Junction 3 of the M3 and Junction 10 of the M4 motorways.
14. Heathrow Airport is approximately 13 miles (21 km) to the east, reachable in about 30 minutes by road.
15. Swinley Forest is a 2,600-acre woodland area, part of the Crown Estate, popular for walking and mountain biking, and designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
16. South Hill Park is an 18th-century mansion now operating as an arts centre, featuring theatres, galleries, and studios.

The Fascinating Origins of Bracknell

The story of Bracknell begins far earlier than many residents realise. The first recorded mention of our town appears in a charter from 942 AD, where it was written as "Braccan heal" - likely meaning "nook of land belonging to a man called Bracca"

This Anglo-Saxon beginning gives us our first glimpse into Bracknell's ancient roots.

During medieval times, the area developed into two distinct small market villages: Old Bracknoll and New Bracknoll.

It’s particularly charming to imagine these twin settlements gradually growing closer until they eventually merged into a single market town by the 19th century. This unified Bracknell became locally famous for its brick-making industry, providing the literal building blocks for the region's growth.

But the most dramatic transformation came in the post-war era. In the 1960s, Bracknell was designated as a New Town, initially planned to house 25,000 people.

However, ambitions grew, and this target expanded to 45,000 residents. This massive development project swallowed up surrounding villages like Easthampstead, Ramslade, and Old Bracknell, forever changing the landscape and character of the area.

Bracknell Today: A Community Snapshot

Walking through Bracknell today, you'll find a diverse community that reflects its fascinating evolution.

According to the 2021 Census, Bracknell Forest borough is home to approximately 113,205 people. The area presents interesting contrasts - overall, it's considered quite affluent with lower than average unemployment rates and higher than average car ownership.

However, not all parts of Bracknell share equally in this prosperity.

Central Bracknell sits within the 30% most deprived areas in England, with several other neighbourhoods falling within the more deprived half of the country.

These demographics create a varied social tapestry that gives Bracknell its unique character.

Property prices here typically exceed the national average, reflecting both the desirability of the area and its proximity to London.

The town attracts a mix of long-time residents with deep community roots and newcomers drawn by employment opportunities and transport links.

Bracknell's Economic Success Story

One of the most impressive facts about Bracknell is its remarkable economic transformation. The town has reinvented itself as a genuine technology powerhouse, earning its place in what's often called the "Silicon Thames Valley".

Major Companies Calling Bracknell Home

The list of major corporations with UK headquarters in Bracknell reads like a who's who of global technology:

• 3M
• Panasonic
• Fujitsu
• Dell
• Hewlett Packard
• Honeywell
   

Beyond tech firms, Bracknell also hosts the central distribution centre and head office of Waitrose, which has been operating from the town since the 1970s.

This diverse business ecosystem has created thousands of jobs and established Bracknell as a serious commercial contender within the South East.

The business-friendly environment hasn't happened by accident. Bracknell Forest Council has actively positioned the town to attract and retain businesses, with the stated aim of becoming "among the most business-friendly places in Europe".

This forward-thinking approach has paid dividends in terms of economic resilience and employment opportunities.

The Lexicon: Bracknell's Retail Revolution

Perhaps nothing symbolises Bracknell's transformation more vividly than The Lexicon. This £240 million regeneration project, completed in 2017, completely reimagined the town centre, replacing dated 1960s architecture with a modern, vibrant retail and leisure destination.

The statistics are impressive: 70 new shops, numerous high-quality restaurants, and a 12-screen cinema. But numbers alone don't capture the psychological impact this development has had on the town. The Lexicon has given Bracknell a proper heart - a place where people genuinely want to spend time, rather than simply shop and leave.

The Lexicon has transformed Bracknell from a town people passed through to a destination people travel to.

Before The Lexicon, many residents would travel to Reading, Camberley or Windsor for shopping and entertainment. Now, the flow has reversed, with visitors coming to Bracknell specifically to enjoy what The Lexicon offers.

This shift in perception represents perhaps the most significant change in Bracknell's recent history.

Hidden Gems: Cultural and Recreational Treasures

While Bracknell's commercial development often grabs headlines, the town offers remarkable cultural and recreational spaces that many outsiders never discover.

South Hill Park: Bracknell's Cultural Crown Jewel

Situated in the Birch Hill estate, South Hill Park stands as a magnificent 24-acre English country house and grounds now operating as a thriving arts centre. The Wilde Theatre within South Hill Park was officially opened by Princess Anne in May 1984 and continues to host an impressive range of performances.

You could easily spend countless evenings enjoying everything from local amateur productions to professional touring companies at South Hill Park.

The combination of historic architecture and contemporary arts programming creates a unique atmosphere that perfectly balances Bracknell's heritage and forward-looking attitude.

Swinley Forest: A Natural Wonder

Perhaps Bracknell's best-kept secret is Swinley Forest - 2,600 acres of pristine woodland primarily consisting of majestic Scots pine.

This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) offers some of the finest mountain biking trails in the South East, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.

Film buffs might recognise parts of the forest from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," where it served as a filming location.

Walking through these ancient woods on a misty morning, it's easy to imagine yourself in a magical realm far removed from the nearby technology campuses and retail developments.

Getting Around: Bracknell's Transport Advantages

One fact about Bracknell that residents particularly value is its excellent transport connectivity. The town enjoys strategic positioning that makes commuting and travel remarkably convenient.

Rail Connections

Bracknell is served by two railway stations:

• Bracknell station
• Martins Heron station

Both sit on the Waterloo to Reading Line, offering regular services to London Waterloo (approximately 1 hour journey time) and Reading (about 20 minutes).

This rail connectivity makes Bracknell an attractive option for London commuters seeking more affordable housing without sacrificing too much travel time.

Road Networks

The road infrastructure around Bracknell is equally impressive. The town sits at the end of the A329(M) motorway and occupies a sweet spot midway between Junction 3 of the M3 and Junction 10 of the M4 motorways.

This positioning provides quick access to the national motorway network, with Heathrow Airport reachable in approximately 30 minutes.

Local Bus Services

Bracknell bus station serves as a hub for local transport, with services extending to neighbouring towns and villages including Crowthorne, Camberley, Wokingham, Reading, Maidenhead, Windsor, and Slough.

This comprehensive bus network ensures that even residents without cars can easily navigate the wider area.

Looking to the Future: What's Next for Bracknell?

The completion of The Lexicon marked a turning point for Bracknell, but the town's evolution continues.

New residential developments are underway, aiming to address housing needs while maintaining the area's green character.

The business sector continues to grow, with Bracknell Forest Council actively supporting initiatives to attract further investment. The council's commitment to creating a "thriving and connected economy" suggests that Bracknell's commercial importance will only increase in the coming years.

Community spaces are also receiving attention, with investments in parks, sports facilities, and cultural venues.

This balanced approach to development aims to ensure that Bracknell remains not just a place to work, but a genuine community where people want to live and spend their leisure time.

Conclusion: Bracknell's Remarkable Journey

From Anglo-Saxon settlement to technology hub, Bracknell's journey represents one of the most fascinating transformation stories in South East England.

The facts about Bracknell reveal a town that has repeatedly reinvented itself while maintaining connections to its heritage and natural environment.

For residents, Bracknell offers an enviable combination of employment opportunities, transport connections, retail amenities, and green spaces.

For businesses, it provides a strategic location with excellent infrastructure and a skilled local workforce.

And for visitors, it increasingly presents itself as a destination worth exploring, rather than simply a commuter town on the way to somewhere else.

As we look to the future, Bracknell seems poised to continue its positive trajectory, building on recent successes while addressing remaining challenges. The town's ability to balance commercial development with community needs will be key to maintaining its growing reputation as one of Berkshire's most liveable locations.

If you haven't visited Bracknell recently, perhaps it's time to take another look. You might be surprised by what you find in this constantly evolving town. And it goes without saying that we'd love for you to come visit us out here at Historical Easthampstead Park.

Cheers and thanks for reading.

References: Facts About Bracknell

Whilst we have a wide range of local knowledge ourselves, we did need to reference many sources for the information contained within this article and the main sources are listed below:
Wikipedia. Bracknell
Wikipedia. Bracknell Forest
Wikipedia.  The Lexicon, Bracknell
Wikipedia. South Hill Park
Bracknell Forest Council
Easthampstead Park
St Michael and Mary Magdelene Church