Twyford

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  William Penn (guest)

  Twyford has its own parish council, but is also in the District of Wokingham, and the ceremonial county of Berkshire. Prior to this it was in Wokingham Rural District and the hundred of Charlton. Before 1895, Twyford was part of the parish of Hurst, within the liberty of Broad Hinton. Between the 13th century and 1844, Broad Hinton was officially a detached part of Wiltshire. History The town's name is Anglo-Saxon in origin, and means double ford. It is a common name in England. Twyford does indeed have two fords, although one is now bridged. William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania, spent the final years of his life in Ruscombe Fields, a property close to Twyford, and is remembered by a residential street named 'Pennfields'. Twyford remained an agriculturally-based settlement until the coming of the railway in 1838. The greatest expansion, however, has taken place since the Second World War, particularly in the last 20 years, effectively transforming it from a village to a minor town, although it is still considered a village by many of its older inhabitants.

  16 years ago | reply | hide comment