Berkshire History for Kids: Berkshire Changes

But Lives On

In Medieval Times, Windsor and then Abingdon became the county towns of Berkshire.
The symbol of Berkshire is a white hart under an oak tree. A hart is a type of deer. It is the one hunted by 'Herne the Hunter'. Berkshire soldiers wore this symbol at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
In Henry VIII's reign, each county was given a Lord Lieutenant to take over the military duties of the Sheriff.
In 1867, the county town of Berkshire moved to Reading.
In 1888, County Councils were set up to look after counties.
In 1911, Caversham came under the control of Berkshire County Council.
In 1958, Berkshire was given the title of the ‘Royal County of Berkshire’ by the Queen. This was because of all its Royal connections, particularly at Windsor Castle.
In 1974, North Berkshire, including the Vale of the White Horse and the area around Wallingford came under the control of Oxfordshire County Council.
At the same time, the area around Slough and Eton came under the control of Berkshire County Council.
In 1998, Berkshire County Council was abolished.
Berkshire lives on today with its own Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff.