Wargrave, village and civil parish in Borough of Wokingham, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Wargrave is a small village in Berkshire, England, situated on the River Thames at the junction with the River Loddon. The settlement stretches from flat areas beside the river to hillier terrain to the northeast, with Bowsey Hill as the highest point in the area.
Wargrave first appeared in written records in 1061 and was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 as having about 250 inhabitants and numerous farms. Saint Mary's Church dates to the 12th century, though the tower was rebuilt in 1635 and the building suffered fire damage in 1914 before being restored.
The village name comes from old words meaning 'Weir-Grove,' referring to the small dam on the river and the wooded area nearby. The community keeps its traditions alive through events like the annual regatta on the Thames, where residents and visitors gather for boating races, fireworks, and social activities.
The village has good train connections via a branch line station, making it easy to reach nearby towns like Reading and Maidenhead. The Recreation Ground in Upper Wargrave offers sports facilities including tennis courts and cricket fields that visitors can enjoy or watch.
The village name originally came from 'Weregreave,' referring to the weirs on the river and woodlands in the area. A notable resident was Thomas Day, an 18th-century writer and abolitionist, whose grave can be found in the churchyard of Saint Mary.
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