Bradfield's traditional centre is on the mid-flood plain of the River Pang centred 6 miles (9.7 km) west of Reading, where the Theale to Compton road crosses the river. Bradfield Southend is centred about a mile to the south west on the gentle escarpment between the Pang and the River Kennet. Other villages and hamlets in the parish include Tutts Clump, Clay Hill and Rotten Row.[2] There is a complex of ponds in the vicinity of the latter containing very good examples of artesian aquifers. Best known of these is 'The Blue Pool' which has delighted generations of children. In recent years, the current owners have had to deny access to the site due to fluctuating levels of pollution. Plans for better access have not yet come to fruition. To the west of Clay Hill is King's Copse, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).[3]
History
A Roman enamelled brooch, found in Bradfield and dated to c. 75 – c. 200[4]
In the mid 18th century, the village was the site of two watermills, one fewer than had been recorded in the Doomsday Book 700 years prior.[7][8]
In 1835, the Bradfield Poor Law Union was formed, and a workhouse, designed by Sampson Kempthorne, was built to accommodate 250 people. The small church of St Simon and St Jude was also built on the site. Between 1948 and 1991 the site was known as Wayland Hospital, a residential home for people with learning difficulties. Housing was built on the site at the end of the 20th century.[7][9][10]
In 1982, Catherine Middleton, the future Princess of Wales,
was christened at St Andrew's Church.[14]
The last service was held in the church in 2014, and it was subsequently bought from the Diocese of Oxford by Bradfield College in 2019.[15]
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