Tilehurst, A Major Residential Settlement In Reading
Tilehurst is a suburb of the town of Reading in Berkshire County. England. Way back in the 17th and 18th Centuries, the suburb covered a large area to include Northcott, Harmour, Tilehurst Common, Kentwood Common, Little Heath, The Gutter, The City, Grovelands, parts of Theale and Calco. In every area, there were a few houses separated by woods, open common land and farms. Its main manor house was located in Calico Park.
In 1911, Tilehurst became part of the Borough of Reading but had retained its status as a village until after World War II when the need for housing increased. Since then, many housing developments have been established that made the Tilehurst a major residential settlement in Reading. But amidst the modern houses, several thatched-roof cottages can still be found that stand as a reminder of bygone eras.
Food, Shopping And Accommodation In Tilehurst
The heart of the village is The Triangle which used to be a small triangle of roads, thus the name. In the early 1800s, the area used to be the site of ”The Red Barn”. Establishments such as the Plough Inn, National School, Post Office, the War Memorial and some shops are found in The Triangle. The War Memorial used to be set at the centre of the three roads with a little greenery in an open green space in the middle. The whole area has since been declared a pedestrian zone, and The War Memorial transferred to a safer site. A few shops can also be found in various locations throughout the village although, there are no department stores or supermarkets within the village.
Things To See And Do In Tilehurst
An important landmark in the village is the Tilehurst Water Tower built in 1982 to complement the Bath Road Reservoir. The tower is conspicuously located and can be readily seen from the M4 motorway approaching Reading.