The village of East Ilsley, which can be traced back to the Domesday Book, is situated in the North Wessex Downs, in Berkshire, England in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The village was historically noted for its great Sheep Fairs, and more recently for its horse-racing connections.

This site, which is devoted to the history of the village of East Ilsley, its environs and its inhabitants, is maintained by the East Ilsley Local History Society.

The Society is dedicated to preserving East Ilsley’s heritage (village records, documents, photographs, maps, etc.), researching aspects of village life and history, then making results and archive material available for the benefit of anyone with an interest in the village.

New additions to the site –

A full listing of the 1921 census has now been added (see Resources page), and several surnames lists are on the Village Surnames page to help you find documents of interest.

We hope that you find the site interesting.  If you have any questions or comments, please send us a message.

If you would like to become a member of the society the subscription is currently £3.00 per household. This helps to cover the expenses of this website and occasional exhibitions. Donations, however small, are gratefully received. Members receive a periodic newsletter.

If you are interested in becoming a member or sponsoring the work of the society please follow this link. If you have an interest in any particular aspect of the village, its history and its people, please get in touch. Anyone is welcome to contribute a story or an article.