Aldermaston Court

Aldermaston Court is in Aldermaston, Berkshire

The original building stood immediately alongside the parish church, and was called Aldermaston House or Aldermaston Manor. It was the home of the Achard family from 1227 until 1361 when the family died out. It is not known what their house looked like, but their heirs, the De La Mares, are belived to have built a quadrangular building.

The early house was rebuilt in 1636 by Sir Humphrey Forster who was a Royalist during the Civil War. This house was destroyed by fire about the same time that the last of the Forster heirs, the Congreves, died in 1843. The house was not completely destroyed, and the elaborate 15th century chimneys and the beautiful figured wooden staircase were saved.

The current Aldermaston Court was built in 1848 by Daniel & Mary Higford Burr. The building stands 200 yards east of the old house, whose cellars still exist beneath the lawns. The chimneys, staircase and some old stained glass were incorporated into the new house.

The Court is an Elizabethan style courtyard house with an imposing tower. Mary Burr's initials can be seen in the brickwork. The surrounding park was first enclosed in the 1290s. It has lost its deer, but is particularly well known for its beautiful lake. Skating is not unknown in winter. The main entrance gates to the park, in the village, were won in a card game from the owner of Midgham House.

During World War II the USAAF HQ IX Air Support Command was stationed at Aldermaston Court, and there were anti-aircraft batteries stationed on the grounds.

The estate is currently owned by Blue Circle Cement, who have built sympathetic new lakeside offices there. The "Manor House" as the Court is now styled is a hotel and conference centre.