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Bisham
Village and civil parish
BishamChurch.JPG
All Saints Church
Bisham is located in Berkshire
Bisham
Bisham
Population 1,099 (2011)
OS grid reference SU849849
Civil parish
  • Bisham
Unitary authority
  • Windsor and Maidenhead
Ceremonial county
Region
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town MARLOW
Postcode district SL7
Dialling code 01628
Police Thames Valley
Fire Royal Berkshire
Ambulance South Central
EU Parliament South East England
UK Parliament
List of places
UK
England
Berkshire
51°33′29″N 0°46′30″W / 51.558°N 0.775°W / 51.558; -0.775
Frith, Francis - Bisham, Berkshire (Zeno Fotografie)
Bisham, Berkshire (period 1850-98) by Francis Frith

Bisham is a village and civil parish in Berkshire, England. It is part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The village sits right on the River Thames.

Bisham is about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Marlow. Marlow is in the nearby county of Buckinghamshire. Bisham is also about 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Maidenhead. In 2011, the village had a population of 1,099 people. Bisham is well-known for being home to one of Sport England's National Sports Centres.

What's in a Name?

The name of Bisham has been spelled in different ways over time. In the Domesday Book, an old survey from 1086, it was called Bistesham.

The name comes from two old words: "Bristle" and "Ham." In 1746, the spelling "Bisham als Bustleham Montague" was used. This was the first time "Bisham" appeared in a more modern spelling.

Historic Buildings

Bisham is home to some very old and interesting buildings. The most famous is Bisham Abbey. This building is now the main part of the National Sports Centre.

Bisham Abbey's History

Bisham Abbey is a manor house that was built in the 13th century. It was first built for the Knights Templar. They were a famous group of Christian knights.

Later, Bisham Abbey became the home of important families. These included the Montagu (or Montacute) Earls of Salisbury. It was also home to the Hoby family.

Nature and Geography

Bisham has beautiful natural areas to explore. On the eastern side of the village, there is a special place called Bisham Woods. This area is a local nature reserve.

Princess Elizabeth's Spring

There is also a place called 'Princess Elizabeth's Spring' in a field known as the Moors. In the 1800s, people believed the water from this spring could cure sore eyes.

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