A little history of Hungerford

Hungerford, Berkshire

Hungerford is a historic market town in Berkshire, England, situated on the River Kennet. Its name is derived from an Anglo-Saxon term meaning "ford leading to poor land." The town's origins trace back to the 12th century when it was established as a borough by the 2nd Earl of Leicester before 1173. In the late 14th century, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, granted the townspeople fishing rights on the River Kennet, a privilege they held in high regard.

During the English Civil War, Hungerford was a strategic location. In June 1644, the Earl of Essex's army spent the night there, and in October of the same year, the Earl of Manchester's cavalry were quartered in the town. In November 1644, Charles I's forces passed through Hungerford on their way to Abingdon.

In 1688, during the Glorious Revolution, William of Orange was offered the Crown of England while staying at the Bear Inn in Hungerford.

The town's High Street retains its medieval street plan, with burgage plots lining the road, a testament to its historical layout.

In 1987, Hungerford was the site of a tragic event when a local man killed 16 people and wounded 15 others before taking his own life, leading to significant changes in UK firearms legislation.