"Humphrey the Chamberlain holds Bagenore from the King. Wulfeva held it freehold from King Edward. Then it answered for 4 hides; now 1 hide. Land for 3 ploughs: In hardship 1 (plough) 3 villagers and 3 smallholders with 2 ploughs. 1 slave: a water mill at 20s meadow 22 acres: woodland at 4 pigs".
The Blackbird public house has stood in the village since the 17th century.[3]
Bagnor Manor
Bagnor Manor is a country house standing near the centre of the village. The house in its current form dates from the 17th century. At the time of Domesday Book, the manor house and its estate had been held for the Crown. Ownership was later transferred to Henry de Bagenore, who sold the property to Poughley Priory and convent in 1232. The transfer was agreed in return for a yearly payment of 8 marks, food and clothing for Henry's two sons, and an agreement that the Prior would find a suitor for his youngest daughter, Celestria.[citation needed]
The priory was dissolved in c.1524 and its lands seized by Henry VIII. The manor house was granted to Wolsey College, later Christ Church, Oxford in 1531. Bagnor Manor was later transferred to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster in return for lands in St. James's Park. They built the present Grade II listed building[4] in the 17th century, but the estate did not pass into private ownership until 1871, when it was purchased by the wealthy Grove family from Donnington. Until 2007 it was home to the art collector and property developer Peter Palumbo, who installed many artworks in the house and grounds.[5] It is now a private residence.
The Watermill Theatre is a privately owned repertory theatre that has operated since 1967. It is a converted watermill with gardens beside the River Lambourn, and seats 220 people. It retains many of its original architectural features including the waterwheel, which can be viewed through a glass screen on entering the auditorium. Many successful actors have begun their careers at the Watermill Theatre, most notably Sean Bean, Bill Nighy and David Suchet.[7] It is one of only five theatres to have been awarded a National Touring remit by Arts Council England, and previous productions have subsequently moved to Broadway and the West End.[8]