town and unitary authority, geographic and historic county of Berkshire, England. It lies 33 miles (53 km) west of London. The town of Wokingham, which lay in Windsor Royal Forest, was granted a market in 1219, and Elizabeth I granted its charter in 1583. Brickworks were once active southwest of the town, but engineering and software development are the main economic activities, and many residents commute to work in Reading and Bracknell. The unitary authority comprises both developed and natural areas. Area unitary authority, 69 square miles (179 square km). Pop. (2001) town, 39,544; (2005 est.) unitary authority, 153,600.