Berkshire Information In Brief :

Berkshire forms part of the South East England region. It is often referred to as the Royal County of Berkshire due to the presence of Windsor Castle in the county; this title goes back to the 19th century at least, and was recognised by the Queen in 1958, and Letters patent issued confirming this in 1974.

Berkshire is one of the oldest in England. It may date from the 840s, the probable period of the unification of 'Sunningum' (East Berkshire) and 'Ashdown' (the Berkshire Downs, probably including the Kennet Valley). The county is first mentioned by name in 860

the strategic 'Thames Gateway' development. Undoubtedly the airport will have a role to play in supporting the 2012 London Olympics in East London.

Windsor Castle in Berkshire is the largest inhabited castle in the world and, dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, it is the oldest castle in continuous occupation. Together with Buckingham Palace in London and Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh it is one of the principal official residences of the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining. Windsor is set in the Thames Valley to the west of London.

The county of Berkshire is one of the oldest in England. It may date from the 840s, the probable period of the unification of 'Sunningum' (East Berkshire) and 'Ashdown' (the Berkshire Downs, probably including the Kennet Valley). The county is first mentioned by name in 860. According to Asser, it takes its name from a large forest of box trees that was called Bearroc (believed, in turn, to be a Celtic word meaning 'hilly').