Wokingham is not considered part of east Berkshire due primarily to historical administrative boundaries and local government reorganization. Historically, Berkshire was divided into administrative subdivisions known as hundreds, and Wokingham was part of one of these subdivisions that did not align with the area now known as east Berkshire.
In the late 20th century, specifically during the 1974 local government reform, Berkshire’s administrative boundaries were redefined, and Wokingham became the centre of its own district, Wokingham Borough, within the county of Berkshire. This new configuration contributed to the distinct identification of Wokingham separate from the eastern parts of Berkshire, which are more traditionally associated with areas like Bracknell, Slough, and Windsor.
Moreover, geographic and socio-economic factors play a role in this distinction. Wokingham has developed its own identity and community distinct from the neighbouring areas traditionally considered to comprise east Berkshire. Administrative decisions, local governance priorities, and efforts to establish local civic identity have all contributed to Wokingham’s classification outside of east Berkshire.