Aldermaston Wharf

Aldermaston Wharf
240px The Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf.
Aldermaston Wharf  Aldermaston Wharf shown within Berkshire
OS grid reference	SU602671
Unitary authority	West Berkshire
Ceremonial county	Berkshire
Region	South East
Country	England
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Postcode district	RG7
Police	Thames Valley
Fire	Royal Berkshire
Ambulance	South Central
EU Parliament	South East England
List of places UK England Berkshire

Aldermaston Wharf is a small multi-parish settlement centred 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north-northwest of Aldermaston in West Berkshire, England. The Kennet and Avon Canal and Great Western Railway pass through the adjoining land and Aldermaston railway station and Aldermaston Lock are nearby. The A4 road runs through its northern part of the village.

River Kennet

The River Kennet was made navigable between Reading and Newbury and opened as the Kennet Navigation in 1723. A wharf was constructed here (to the immediate east of the current lift bridge) and a trading community developed around it. In addition carpenters were required to service the locks and bridges. On completion of the Kennet and Avon Canal in 1810, local trade flourished even more with exports of timber products, malt and flour and imports of coal, groceries and manufactured goods. Canal trade continues at Aldermaston, primarily in leisure and tourism. A visitor and tea room is operated adjacent to a marina and boat hire business.

When the Great Western Railway bought the canal in the 1850s a canal spur was constructed to the railway sidings to allow transfer of goods between canal and rail. Some of this has now been infilled. Strange's Brewery was sited just south of the lock. In the late 18th century the brewery was owned by Francis Strange. The brewery was sold in 1952 and demolished.

Nearby places

Nearby are the towns of Newbury, Thatcham and Reading. Neighbouring villages are Aldermaston, Midgham, Beenham, Woolhampton and Padworth. Aldermaston Wharf falls within three parishes—Padworth, Aldermaston and Beenham.

Picture gallery

• Aldermaston Wharf - geograph.org.uk - 19835.jpg

  British Waterways Aldermaston Wharf Visitor Centre.

• CanalCottageRecreationAldermastonWharf.JPG

  Canal Cottage Recreation Aldermaston Wharf.