Burghfield Bridge
| Burghfield Bridge | |
| Berkshire | |
|---|---|
 Burghfield Bridge | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SU680706 |
| Location: | 51°25’48"N, 1°1’24"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Reading |
| Postcode: | RG30 |
| Dialling code: | 0118 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | West Berkshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Wokingham |
Burghfield Bridge is a bridge and a hamlet in Berkshire, within the parish of Burghfield. The hamlet is to be found between Burghfield and the Reading suburb of Southcote. In 2006, the Reading Chronicle named Burghfield Bridge as one of the most desirable (and thus most expensive) places to live in the Reading area.
History
The bridge
The hamlet is so-called due to the bridge crossing the River Kennet (now part of the Kennet and Avon Canal). The river was first crossed in the area in the thirteenth century by the Lord of the Manor, Matthew.[1] The original Burghfield Bridge was built by the De Burghfield family, but they had arguments with King Edward I over who should repair it.
There was a minor skirmish at the bridge after the First Battle of Newbury in 1643.
The Cunning Man
Burghfield Bridge is involved in the local legend of the Cunning Man. Various stories exist regarding the legend, citing the Cunning Man as a wizard from nearby Tadley, who was able to heal both ailments and broken relationships.[1] Another explanation is that a local building (now the Peter Pan Café) was built by a cunning man using bricks placed on their sides - so to use less building materials.
The story lends its name to the local pub/restaurant.
Second World War
In the early part of the Second World War, several anti-invasion measures were installed across Burghfield and its area, including a fortified house at Burghfield Bridge.[2] Iverne House stands 100 yards south of the bridge and was originally a stables. This was converted into a two storey shell-proof infantry strongpoint around 1941/42. There are gun ports clearly visible from the main Burghfield/Reading Road. The building was converted to a private dwelling in 1994[2]
Places of interest
Burghfield Bridge is the location of Keynote Studios, a recording facility.
There is a disused water mill, Burghfield Mill, located alongside the River Kennet and to the West of Burghfield Bridge, now converted to residential apartments. Burghfield Lock lies nearby on the Kennet and Avon Canal.