Treasure Hunt - Ascot, Berkshire

Deep in the heart of Berkshire, the town of Ascot has been occupied since the Bronze Age at least. Mention Ascot and probably the first thing to spring to mind is the Royal Ascot race meeting. Now though, there is another event that could be even more popular - the Ascot Treasure Hunt (silly hats optional!)

Despite being an ancient settlement, Ascot has a contemporary and vibrant feel. Sadly, only one of the Bronze Age Round Barrows of the earliest settlers survives today, in the grounds of Heatherwood hospital. The name is thought to derive from 'East Cote' on account of the town being on the east edge of a royal estate in Saxon Times. Ascot Heath was once notorious for the presence of large numbers of Highwaymen and other villains - a dangerous place indeed.

Royal Ascot ...

Ascot races are somewhat of an institution, with the ladies sporting all manner of bizarre and flouncy headwear in an effort to outdo each other! The racecource itself saw the first royal meeting when it was established in 1711. Queen Anne decided that the heath was a great place for the horses to gallop at full speed and established the racecourse. The popularity of the Royal races at Ascot waned but was successfully revived later in the century, with George III setting up the first Royal Stand (Now known as the Royal Enclosure) right at the end of the 18th century.

Pictures from previous treasure hunts at Ascot ...