History

Flanking the market is The New Rose Public House which was formerly the Olde Rose Inn. It dates back to the 17th century and inspired the poet Alexander Pope, the essayist Dean Swift and the dramatist John Gay each of whom wrote verses to “sweet Molly Mog” the landlord’s daughter.



The town’s origins date back to Saxon times and the name probably derives from the Woccingas tribe, hence Wokingham(Ham meaning home, village or town). The town was once part of the great Windsor forest and is still known as a forest town, its proud motto being “from the acorn, the oak”

A coat of arms was granted to the town in 1953 and at a special court held at Windsor Castle on 16th April 1975, Queen Elizabeth II authorised by Order of Council, that the Armorial Bearings were to be”lawfully borne and used”by Wokingham Town Council..

Wokingham has a rich history which until relatively modern times was steeped largely in agriculture. Former industries such as the production and weaving of wool and the tanning and manufacture of leather goods depended on the sourcing of raw materials locally. There was once a flourishing silk trade probably introduced by French Protestant refugees in Tudor times. They produced among other things silk stockings, hat bands and cravats which were manufactured until the late 18th century. A mulberry tree from which the silk worms fed is still standing in the town to this day.