A Brief History of Bracknell

Bracknell, in Berkshire, has a history that reaches back over a thousand years. The name “Braccan Heal” was first recorded in the 10th century and means “a piece of land belonging to a man called Bracca.” For centuries Bracknell remained a small rural village surrounded by farmland and woodland.

The town began to grow in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway in 1856, making travel and trade much easier. Its biggest transformation came after the Second World War, when Bracknell was chosen as one of the UK’s New Towns in 1949. This meant new homes, schools, shopping areas and community spaces were built to welcome families moving from London and beyond.

As the town developed, new schools opened to serve the growing community.

Today, Bracknell continues to grow and change. It is home to many businesses, leisure facilities, and beautiful green spaces such as Swinley Forest. The town centre has recently been redeveloped, offering modern shops, restaurants, and places to meet.

From a small village to a thriving, modern town with schools like St Joseph’s at its heart, Bracknell’s history reflects a story of growth, community, and resilience.

 

The History of our School

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, built in 1960, has played an important role in Bracknell’s story by providing education founded on faith, care and community for local children and families.