The village of East Ilsley lies in a fold of the Berkshire Downs close to the historic Ridgeway Path and its geographical position on the Downlands largely determined its part in the pageant of history, being on one of the busiest ancient routes across the downs, dating back to the Bronze Age. It became an important trading centre from the 13th century onwards for corn and later for wool, ultimately being granted a Royal Charter by James I in 1620. The Sheep Fairs held fortnightly, were second only to Smithfield in London and at their height sold 400,000 with the record of 80,000 being penned in a single day. At the peak there were 24 inns and public houses catering for all the farmers, shepherds and drovers on market days. Nowadays the village, whilst continuing its link with farming, is more associated with racehorses, with several racing stables being located in or near the village. The village has also greatly benefited from the A34 by-pass, which previously went straight through the centre of the village and is now sited away to the west of East Ilsley, becoming an important dual carriageway linking the south coast to the Midlands. Around the central part of the village there are many examples of interesting period properties from timbered cottages to the more elegant Georgian country houses, especially in Broad Street. The village also boasts a village pond, parish church, two well-known established Inns and a Church of England primary school. There are main line stations at Newbury and Didcot, the latter being nearer, providing fast commuter services up to London (Paddington) in approx 45 mins. There is a highly regarded CofE primary school and in the next village of Compton (2 miles) is the highly acclaimed Downs Secondary School which now has a Sixth Form.

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