The picturesque Berkshire village in the shadow of a nuclear weapons facility

Berkshire is known for being steeped in history and boasting tranquillity and breath-taking views. However, one village in the ceremonial county is overshadowed by its nuclear weapons facility.

It is here where nuclear components and high explosives are assembled in underground bunkers. The site is situated in the village of Aldermaston in what used to be a wartime airfield.

RAF Aldermaston was originally built as an RAF Bomber Command airfield in the early 1940s, and was transferred to the United States Army Air Forces in August 1942. Just before the airfield closed in 1950, it was used by the Ministry of Aircraft Production for Supermarine Spitfire assembly and flight testing. The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) took over the site after this point.

Read more: The tranquil Berkshire village where Prince Philip held his stag do before tying the knot with The Queen

The AWE site sparked anti-nuclear marches throughout the 1950s and 60s. At the height of the demonstrations, in the early 1960s, tens of thousands of people joined in the marches. Eight people were injured at AWE Aldermaston in separate incidents during 2021.

Elsewhere in the village, there is the stunning Aldermaston Park. The site includes the Manor House which, during the outbreak of the Second World War, reportedly used to accommodate children evacuated from London.

There are also breath-taking views of the River Kennet, which makes for the perfect Sunday walk with the family. The village local has its own Grade II-listed jailhouse, something which is not apparent from the street. Its unique feature can be found at the back of the building.

It is said that the building was last used in 1865 to house a customer who had drunk too much. He lit a fire in an attempt to keep himself warm, but he burned to death. After this, it was never used again.

The Hind's Head used to be a coaching inn and was built in the 17th century. In the past, the pub has been known as The Pack Horse and The Congreve Arms. Its current name was inspired by the coat of arms of the Forster family.

The Forster family inherited Aldermaston Court in the 1500s and lived in the village for over 200 years. People around the world to this day celebrate the work of the family's most famous descendant author E.M. Forster.

E.M. Forster is known for his books such as A Room With A View, Howards End and A Passage to India. Hind's Head nods to the author with some of the guest rooms in the hotel being named after his novels.

Our photographer, Grahame Larter, visited Aldermaston to capture the beauty of the village. See a selection of images below.

Find out more about things to do and activities in Berkshire with our free What's On email HERE.