Famous Historical Figures in Bracknell

Bracknell forest has seen many historical figures who had a great impact on literature, education and the military, along with connections to some of the most famous people in British history. It has many local buildings, parks and pubs of interest and a rich background.

In the leafy village of Binfield is the popular Pope's Meadow, named after one of the 18^th century's most famous philosophers and poets Alexander Pope. Much of his youth was spent in Whitehill House, now known as Pope's Manor, where the calm and beauty of the surrounding countryside helped build his character and influenced his famous poetry. He was one of the major supporters of the Picturesque Movement, which fathered the creation of public parks, including Pope's Meadow itself. His home Binfield Manor was occupied by another famous figure, William Pitt the Elder. The great political figure bought the house in 1754 and still spent much of his time there after he became Prime Minister.

Binfield has more than one literary claim to fame. Further down the road is the Jack O' Newbury pub, a figure who dates back as far as the 1590s. 'Jack' himself was a character in Thomas Deloney's novel and researchers now believe he was inspired by John Winchcombe II, a well-recognised and extremely wealthy associate of Henry VIII. Looking not unlike the king himself, the sign outside the pub bears his portrait.

It is said both Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I spent time at another one of the oldest pubs in Binfield, The Stag and Hounds, which dates back to the 14^th century. On the pub grounds was once one of the most famous natural landmarks was a huge 800 year old tree which sadly was destroyed by Dutch Elm disease in the 1970s, leaving behind an empty shell which was cut down in 2003.

But perhaps one of the most prominent figure in Bracknell Forest's history is Richard Jones, first Earl of Ranelagh and founder of Ranelagh secondary school, where his huge portrait still hangs in the library. Unlike today his first school was located not in Bracknell town but in Cranbourne Hall in Winkfield, with a mere forty pupils. Today the school itself teaches over 8000 and has been awarded an 'outstanding' report by Ofsted in both 2006 and 2009.

Bracknell Forest also has a strong military history in the form of the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst. Founded shortly after the end of the Second World War as the offspring of the Royal Military Academy and the Royal Military Collage, and today Sandhurst is one of the most famous academies in the world, training thousands of privates from more than 80 different countries. The great white stone cenotaph proudly sits outside the entrance surrounded by wreaths of poppies.

There's a sense of pride behind the history of Bracknell Forest, whose seemingly small and quiet towns have a great influence on history's notable figures. Many of the towns have walks and libraries filled with local history for those interested to learn more.