Berkshire
Hildesley Court, East Ilsley, Newbury
East Ilsey and its sister, West Ilsey, are famous Berkshire racing villages and training establishments that have over the years attracted some of the most famous patrons of the turf, including H.M. The Queen. It is a joy to see the horses heading for the gallops. East Ilsey is an unspoiled village in the bosom of the Berkshire Downs, overlooking a duck pond. Up until well after the end of the war it was famous for its sheep raised on the Downs - and the village hosted one of the premier sheep fairs in the country. The village is just off the A34 road between Newbury (8 miles) and Oxford (17 miles). The pleasant market town of Wantage is 15 miles. The M4 corridor may be joined at junction 13 (7 miles) whilst the intercity train service to London may be reached from Didcot (10 miles).
Lyefield Court, Emmer Green, Reading
Emmer Green probably derives its name from the Anglo-Saxon word “eamere”, meaning a lake beside a stream. A collection of Roman coins, bracelets and pottery found in the area suggest Romano British occupation from AD 40 until the 4th century. The hamlet, always a small community until the post war expansion of Reading, was largely dependant for its employment from nearby Caversham Park, an estate listed in the Doomsday Book first owned by the 1st Earl of Pembroke, a relation of William the Conqueror. In later years Caversham Park House played host to Queen Elizabeth 1st; held Charles 1st prisoner prior to his execution; and played a vital role in World War II as a BBC monitoring station.