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Checkendon is a rambling unspoilt village 600 ft above sea level, eight miles
north from Reading. Entering the village from Reading you pass the Four Horse
Shoes, the old village inn, the older portion thatched as it has been through
the years.
The fine old Norman church of St Peter and St Paul stands in the centre of the
village. There are two Norman arches in the chancel. On the wall of the apse are
fresco paintings of the 13th or 14th century, which have been painstakingly
restored. The brasses on the sanctuary floor are of interest, the larger of John
Rede being early 15th century. The many monuments are worth a study, and say
much of Checkendons notable forebears.
The drive to Checkendon Court runs by the church. This estate dates from 1030.
Beside the church is its own primary school. In front is the village green on
which the children have their maypole dance. The old village forge still stands
but is no longer used as a smithy. At the rear is a flourishing agricultural
supply company. A group of interesting houses and cottages nestle around the
village green. The village hail was built in 1913; there the children have
school meals. The play group and all the village events are held here. The main
development has been one road, and here is the post office and stores.
The village is surrounded by beech woods, with bluebells in the spring, and the
rich colour of the autumn leaves. There are a few public footpaths in the woods.
Farming goes on around the village and the fields reflect the passing seasons.
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