'The Story of Bracknell' book by historian Andrew Radgick

Bracknell was given a 'New Town' status in 1949 (according to The National Archives) and went through a period of fast growth after the second World War. Now, Andrew Radgick has released a book called The Story of Bracknell, a collection of original research balanced with personal accounts from locals with a nod to the traditional tales in the area.

Speaking to the author on why he felt the need to create a book on Bracknell, Mr Radgick, originally from Devon, said: "People say, Bracknell's a new town, it's got no history.

'The Story of Bracknell' book by Andrew Radgick (Image: Andrew Radgick)

"But you've only got to look at the High Street, which has got five listed buildings, to know that's not true.

"And the more I discovered in the area, we've got Iron Age hillforts, we've got Caesar's Camp, we've got Roman roads, I realised there's obviously an awful lot of history to this area that hasn't been documented."

Mr Radgick said he began the book during the Covid-19 lockdowns, which he said was "the perfect time to start."

He added: "I sort of mapped out roughly where I wanted to start. 

"And I've actually gone back to the first evidence of people living in this area. And they say we've got the Iron Age, we've got the Romans.

"Then by going through the newspapers, because now that they're online, they're easy to search, there's an awful lot of information that's come out the newspapers.

"And then it's a case of looking for other things online, getting people's personal stories. Easthampstead Rural District Council minutes.

"And it's just become sort of a comprehensive history of the town right from the word go."

Andrew Radgick (Image: Andrew Radgick)

After collecting information on Bracknell town for the past four years, Andrew Radgick, said: "There is such a lot of hidden history that nobody knows about, but once you start digging in the newspapers, that sort of comes to light."

'The Story of Bracknell' looks at urban myths and gives in depth answers to questions such as:

• Did Catherine of Aragon meet Henry VIII at East Hampstead Park?

• Was there a publican that was a Sweeney Todd-type character?

• Were there hidden tunnels under the High Street?

These questions are answered, while giving readers the opportunity to find out more about hidden personal stories from the town residents.

"You've got a lot of stuff that if people went searching for it, then they would probably find," said Andrew, adding, "but otherwise it's quite well hidden, isn't it?

"You've got to be a history nerd and spend the time looking for all this information."

The book was released at the beginning of August 2024 and is available to buy in retailers such as Waterstones Bracknell, or online via Waterstones, WH Smith, and Amazon Prices vary, depending on the retailer.