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Wokingham had its own bellfoundry, which operated from around 1350 until 1622, when the business transferred to Chertsey. Roger Landen, who ran the foundry in the mid 15th century is perhaps the best known Wokingham founder, and his name appears in two local street names: Landen Close (off Finchampstead Road) and Landen Grove (off Reading Road). Being on the opposite side of town isn't very unhelpful if someone directs you to the wrong one!
The foundry mark, used on his bells was a lion's head, shown here.
Many people think that the foundry was in Bell Foundry Lane, on the northern edge of the town, but it was almost certainly in the town centre. Remains of foundry slag were discovered during excavations prior to the redevelopment of the area between Broad Street and Waitrose store.
Bell Foundry Lane was previously called Bell Foundry Farm Lane, and was presumably the site of a farm owned by the founders at some time.
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