Discount Hotels Bracknell
Historical interest: Bracknell
    
Bracknell derives its name from Braccen-Heale meaning 'bracken covered secret
place' and was first mentioned in the Winkfield Boundary Charter of 942. Centuries
later in 1723, a troop of mounted grenadier guards had a pitched battle in Bracknell
with the infamous band of ruffians known as the Wokingham Blacks. They had been
marauding around the area of Windsor Forest for over a year, but after one of
their numbers was forced to reveal the gang's whereabouts, the authorities were
able to capture some 29 men.
The town has very few old buildings left, but those that remain are all pubs.
The best is the Old Manor, a beautiful 17th century brick manor house complete
with priest hole overlooking one of the bars. It is said to have secret passages
connecting to various locations. The two buildings once stood alone on Ascot
Heath, an area infamous for bandits.
Meanwhile, the Hind's Head had an unsavoury reputation. In the 18th century
its publican apparently came up with an ingenious way of subsidising his income.
Any rich traveller who stopped at the inn was given a particularly undesirable
room for the night: it had a trap door beneath the bed. When asleep, the unfortunate
guest would be catapulted down a neck-breaking shaft and his possessions taken
to swell the innkeeper's purse. Eventually, a bar-maid fell for one of the prospective
murder victims and told him what to expect. He ran for help and the publican
was quickly arrested.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Grange Bracknell Hotel | | Coppid Beech Hotel | | Hilton Bracknell | | Hilton St. Anne's Manor | | Corus Hotel Bracknell | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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