Shinfield

There are two theories as to how the name of Shinfield arose. During Saxon times the settlement was known as Selingasfield, meaning fields owned by Selingas. An alternative origin, however, may be derived from the fact that the fields of the River Loddon used to flood periodically and, in the sunlight, the fields would shine, hence the name 'Shining Fields'.

This parish includes: Shinfield Rise, Shinfield Park, School Green, Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross, Ryeish Green and Grazeley.

In the attractive little village of Three Mile Cross stands a cottage where Mary Mitford lived for 30 years with her father Dr George Mitford. Her best known work, entitled Our Village, ran into five volumes and described the village and the lives of its inhabitants.

Shinfield Parish Church

The 1,000 year old Shinfield parish church, mentioned in the Domesday Book, has been restored, but still retains a Norman doorway and a 17th century tower of patterned brickwork. The fine old timbered roofs of the nave and south aisle are of interest; there are also two 17th century wall monuments with sculptured figures kneeling in prayer.

Spencers Wood stands on a hilltop overlooking the Kennet and Loddon Valleys. A fine avenue of Wellingtonia at Stanbury Park is also an attractive feature of the landscape.

The parish also contains the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, the European Headquarters of Foster Wheeler in the former Shire Hall building and a large part of Green Park, one of the largest commercial/industrial estates in Europe.

Local services and facilities

• Village Green, School Green, Shinfield – pleasant picnic area, near to local pubs.

• Millworth Lane Recreation Ground – facilities for tennis, cricket and football managed by a local trust.

• Recreation Ground, Clares Green Road, Spencers Wood – open space, play equipment and hard surface ball court – contact Parish Clerk.

• Ryeish Green Leisure Centre, Ryeish Green

• Shinfield Players Theatre Group – Box Office: 0118 926 7135

View an interactive map of Shinfield for more details.