I have been researching many areas of the history of Thatcham, farms, pubs and so on. One that fascinates me is that of the mills. I wrote about one specific, Ham Mill, a few months ago but to carry this post on now; Thatcham has had several mills but has this always been the case? The […]
Getting medical help is relatively easy with the NHS but what did we do before this revolutionary service? Two of the earliest doctors of the village were Mr Lang and Mr George Watts. George served the village from at least 1835 until his death in 1871. Perhaps two of the best known though are Richard
I have been writing, on behalf of Thatcham Historical Society, articles for a local magazine. So here is a copy of another one of the articles: There was a market in Thatcham which is believed to originate between 1100 and 1135, perhaps earlier. At this time Thatcham was classed as a town and by 1304 was also
Despite so much history being written much is still male dominated, even in local history. However women have played a vital role in the development of Thatcham. Below are just a few of those women described briefly. I will go into more detail at a later date. Lady Francis Winchcombe Many in Thatcham will know
My Hi-Tec Hillside boots have finally had it, parts on the bottom have completely worn out. Not bad, they have lasted 2 years and been through a lot. Rather conveniently Hi-Tec Europe kindly sent me a pair of Bandera Lite WP to test out. So this is my initial impression post, I will do another review during
History is all about us with one often overlooked piece of evidence being in the road and field names. Many of the modern road names have an historic connection, for example Danvers Close is named after Sir William Danvers of Chamberhouse. Lady Ann Danvers, after the death of her husband had a Chapel at St.
Thatcham Road Names Read More »
Back last September I wrote a post (see here) about some of the footwear I have had over the last few years. I mentioned I have largely stuck with Hi-Tec. I have found the Hi-Tec footwear to be durable, long lasting and excellent value for money. With the local Hi-Tec outlet having closed and local outdoor stores
I wrote an article for a local magazine and town guide a few years back on the general history of Thatcham. Here is the updated version. Not everyone who lives or works in Thatcham knows that this Berkshire town lays claim to being Britain’s oldest inhabited settlement. Indeed it is an ancient settlement, with archaeological
Is Thatcham Britain’s oldest inhabited settlement? Read More »
I have been writing, on behalf of Thatcham Historical Society, articles for a local magazine. So here is a copy of one of the articles: It is believed that a place of worship was erected on the site of St. Mary’s church during the 7th century AD. This would have been a wooden structure and was
Many historic buildings are hidden in plain sight. For example Thatcham House, Thatcham Farm, Monks Chambers and Crown House are all historic buildings that can easily be seen within a few minutes of the town centre. However how many know that there was once a castle a short distance away? Chamberhouse was once part of
Chamberhouse Castle Read More »
