Winterbourne is a village and civil parish in the Berkshire Downs about north of Newbury in West Berkshire.
Etymology
Winterbourne takes its name from a stream which flows in winter and sometimes in a wet summer. Bourne means a stream that does not flow all year round.
History
Borough Hill nearby was settled by Early Saxons in the Iron Age. Romans camped on Bussock Hill, and left a double vallum and ditch around their camp. The Vicinal Way, which was a branch of the old Roman way Ermyn Street, ran through Winterbourne past the camp.
Parish church
The Church of England parish church of Saint James was completely redeveloped in the 18th and 19th centuries. The north chapel was added in 1712 and the bell tower in 1759. The architect J.W. Hugall rebuilt the nave in 1854 and a Mr. Hudson restored the chancel in 1895. Hudson retained the chancel's 14th-century east window, and an earlier lancet window in the south wall. The building is Grade II* listed.
Civil War
Winterbourne and the surrounding area had an eventful Civil War. Donnington Castle was damaged by cannon; the First and Second Battles of Newbury were fought nearby. King Charles stayed the night at Winterbourne Manor before the Second Battle of Newbury. On 26 October 1644, Cromwell stopped at the Blue Boar Inn, which is in the north of the parish, for a mug of beer, The other remains in Ripley Castle. The blue boar was left at the pub, now The Crab Hotel.
Transport
Bus travel from Newbury is provided by Newbury and District service 5A, twice daily on weekdays.