History timeline

Land in Arborfield acquired by the War Office for the Arborfield Remount Depot. Land was part of the Bearwood Estate, which was owned by the Walter Family of the Times Newspaper. Land is first rented from Walter family and then purchased.

Acreage increases beyond eastern boundary. Temporary stabling is constructed to accommodate more than 600 horses. Several thousand animals passed through the Depot during World War 1.

Land in Arborfield acquired by the War Office when the Arborfield Remount Depot closes. The site now covers 500 acres. In the years it was open, nearly 100,000 horses passed through the Depot. The Depot was one the largest employers in the local area.

Reopens as Arborfield Garrison

Army Technical School opens and Poperinghe Barracks is built to accommodate two Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiments of the Royal Artillery.

Garrison becomes home to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers of the British Army (REME).

Garrison serves as a medical centre and accommodation for troops before the Normandy landings and those off to service in northwest Europe. School renamed to Army Apprentice School.

The decision was taken to cease apprentice training at Arborfield. Over 50,000 men and women began their army careers as apprentice soldiers and tradesmen at Arborfield Garrison.

Wokingham Borough Council allocates Arborfield Garrison in its Local Plan.

Crest Nicholson appointed as Development Manager for the Defence Infrastructuree Organisation (DIO) the Army’s property and land arm.

Crest Nicholson receive outline planning consent to build 2000 new homes on the former Garrison site.

The first occupations of the new Garden Village took place in October.

The old infirmary stables are refurbished and made weather-proof.