Aldworth

The parish Church of St Mary is famous for housing the Aldworth Giants – the larger than life effigies of the de la Beche family, which date back to the 14th century. The head of the family, Sir Philip, who lies here with eight other members of his family, was the Sheriff of Berkshire and valet to Edward II. Though now somewhat defaced, the effigies were so legendary that the church was visited by Elizabeth I. Outside, in the churchyard, are the remains of a once magnificent 1000-year-old yew tree that was damaged in a storm.

Nearby, at Little Aldworth, is the grave of the poet Laurence Binyon who wrote the famous lines: “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we shall remember them.” Opposite the Bell Inn is one of the deepest wells in the country. Topped by great beams, heavy cogs and wheels, it is some 327 feet deep.