Berkshire is an area in the central part of southern England. The area is small but has considerable wealth because of its rich farmlands and its position across the western approaches to London and alongside the lower River Thames. Tourism is of great importance to Berkshire’s economy, and Windsor Castle is one of the United Kingdom’s major tourist attractions. Also near Windsor is Eton College, founded by King Henry VI in 1440. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous schools.
Berkshire has horse racing courses at Ascot, Newbury, and Windsor. The Royal Ascot week, attended by the monarch, is the most important race meeting in Berkshire and one of the most important in the United Kingdom.
Reading is Berkshire’s main center of industry, distribution, and marketing. Its industries include brewing, the processing of agricultural products, and the manufacture of farm machinery, petroleum products, and computer-related products. Berkshire’s main cereal crop is barley. Farmers also grow oats, potatoes, and wheat. The raising of dairy cattle, beef cattle, and pigs is important as well.
