A Village Built on History
If you’re visiting Stables Coffee Co at Arborfield Green, you’re stepping into a place with a story that stretches back more than a century.
Today, Arborfield Green is a modern village filled with homes, green spaces, schools and walking routes. But beneath the new streets and landscaped parks lies the history of one of Berkshire’s most significant military sites; the former Arborfield Garrison.
The Early Years: The Remount Depot
The story of Arborfield Green begins in 1904, when the War Office acquired the land for use as a Remount Depot. Its role was to supply and care for horses used by the British military, both operationally and ceremonially.
During the First World War, the site expanded significantly, with stabling built for hundreds of horses at a time. By the time the depot eventually closed in 1937, more than 100,000 horses are believed to have passed through Arborfield.
That equestrian heritage still shapes the identity of the area today.
From Horses to Military Training
In 1938, the site reopened as Arborfield Garrison, beginning a new chapter in its military history. During the Second World War, parts of the garrison became home to artillery units and army technical schools, while the site also provided accommodation and medical support for troops preparing for service in Europe.
By 1942, Arborfield had become closely associated with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). Over the decades that followed, tens of thousands of apprentices and trainees passed through the garrison, beginning careers in engineering, mechanics and military trades.
For many local families, Arborfield’s military connections remain an important part of the community’s identity.
The Horses of Arborfield Green
One of the most striking reminders of the area’s past can be found in the three life-sized horse sculptures installed within Arborfield Green.
Designed by sculptor Amy Goodman, the iron-resin statues were commissioned to commemorate the site’s history as both a Remount Depot and Horse Infirmary. The sculptures - titled Icarus, Sports Horse Mare and Youngster - pay tribute to the thousands of horses that once passed through Arborfield during the First and Second World Wars.
The sculptures have quickly become one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks and offer a powerful connection between Arborfield Green’s past and present.
A Landscape Reimagined
Following the departure of the REME Garrison in 2015 and 2016, the area entered a new phase of redevelopment. What was once a military training site has gradually been transformed into a sustainable new community with homes, schools, green spaces, footpaths and local amenities.
Despite the scale of change, efforts have been made to preserve elements of the site’s heritage. Historic buildings, memorial features and place names continue to reference the area’s military and equestrian roots, helping the village retain a sense of identity as it evolves.
What You’ll Notice Around Arborfield Green
As you explore the area, you’ll notice that Arborfield Green feels different from many new developments. There’s a strong sense of openness, with green corridors, walking routes and public spaces woven throughout the village.
Look closely and you’ll also spot reminders of the past from military-inspired street names to heritage markers and the famous horse sculptures themselves. The surrounding landscape still hints at the site’s earlier life, even as the village continues to grow into its next chapter.
Start or Finish at Stables Coffee Co
Whether you’re exploring the area, meeting friends, heading out for a walk or simply passing through, Stables Coffee Co at Arborfield Green is the perfect place to pause.
Start your morning with a coffee before exploring the village, or settle in afterwards for something fresh and comforting. It’s a chance to enjoy Arborfield Green as it is today, while appreciating the remarkable story beneath it.
Plan Your Visit
Arborfield Green is easy to explore on foot, with green spaces, pathways and local landmarks all within easy reach of Stables Coffee Co.
Grab a coffee, take a wander, and discover a village where modern community life sits alongside more than 100 years of local history.
