The River Kennet was made navigable between Reading and Newbury and opened as the Kennet Navigation in 1723. The section running through Aldermaston Wharf is a canal navigation with the original River Kennet continuing approx 1/2 mile south of the canal. A wharf was constructed here and a trading community developed around it. In addition carpenters were required to service the locks and bridges. On completion of the Kennet and Avon Canal in 1810, local trade flourished even more with exports of timber products, malt and flour and imports of coal, groceries and manufactured goods. Canal trade continues at Aldermaston, primarily in leisure and tourism. A visitor and tea room is operated adjacent to a marina and boat hire business. When the Great Western Railway bought the canal in the 1850s a canal spur was constructed to the railway sidings to allow transfer of goods between canal and rail. Some of this has now been infilled. Strange's Brewery was sited just south of the lock. In the late 18th century the brewery was owned by Francis Strange. The brewery was sold in 1952 and demolished.
1995 "The Wharf" , south of the canal and west of the A340 road, on the site of the former Strange's Brewery
1998 Mallard Way, Heron Way and Lockside Court, between the canal and railway line west of the A340 road on a brownfield site vacated by the Sterling Greengate cable factory
2005 Watson Close, between A340 road and railway line, named after the last station master
2007 "The Fallows", south of the canal and east of the A340 road
2015 Stowe Close, between railway line and Station Road
Local Amenities
A visitor centre with a tea room is located at the canal east of the lift bridge
A marina and boat hire business operates at the canal east of the lift bridge
A pub is located at the A340 road at the southern end of the village
A mobile Fish & Chips van visits the village every Thursday evening, parking in Station Road near the south entrance to Aldermaston Station
Nearby places
Nearby are the towns of Newbury, Thatcham and Reading. Neighbouring villages are Aldermaston, Midgham, Beenham, Woolhampton and Padworth. Aldermaston Wharf falls within three parishes—Padworth, Aldermaston and Beenham. A small private airfield can be found at the nearby Brimpton Airfield.
