FIVE grade I listed places across the Wokingham borough you should know about

With that history, which can be traced back to the time of the Saxons, comes the remains of historic and beautiful buildings that are protected for their significance.

Across the Wokingham borough, there are 49 protected sites, and nine of which are listed as grade I - this means the buildings are regarded as being of 'exceptional interest'.

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These nine buildings are part of the top 2.5 per cent of listed buildings across England.

Here are five buildings in the Wokingham borough that you should be aware of.

1. Farley Hall, Swallowfield

Farley Hall, found just beside Bungler's Hill, Swallowfield, was first listed on August 1, 1952.

The 18th century country house was built in 1729 and its design incorporates the remains of an early to mid 18th century formal layout.

The site is surrounded by serene gardens and a landscape park.

2. Church of Saint James, Ruscombe

Church of St James, Ruscombe

This church was originally built in the late 12th century and was rebuilt in 1638, with only parts of the original Norman architecture surviving.

The early 17th century repairs of the tower are of a brick gothic design, and an organ chamber was added to the site between 1870 - 1880.

3. Henry Lucas Hospital, Wokingham

Henry Lucas Hospital, the only Grade I listed building in Wokingham town, was first built in 1666 after the founder, Henry Lucas Esq., asked that his executors build an almshouse for the poor and elderly men in the area, three years previously.

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The inhabitants of the hospital were given a furnished room, a £2 fuel allowance and a £10 per annum pension.

According to the Wokingham Virtual Museum, the Henry Lucas Charity was perpetuated until 2001 when the Charity Commission allowed the site to be used as a private residence.

4. Henley Bridge, Henley

Henley Bridge, Henley

The iconic Henley Bridge was built some time during the 1170's, however the bridge as it stands today was actually built as a replacement for a wooden bridge used many years before then.

In 2010, the historic bridge was damaged by a cruiser named Crazy Love, causing a £200,000 repair programme starting the following year.

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5. Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shinfield

Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shinfield

This church, first listed on January 26, 1967, dates back to 1069 founded by one of William The Conqueror's Marshalls, according to the church's staff.

According to St Mary's, the building is known for its "fine and uncommonly timbered roof", and its Norman architecture.