The society exists to promote an interest, not only in the local history of Thatcham and district, but also in historical matters in general.
History Month Fact 12: Three Chimneys Lane
The present Northfield Road was not known by that name in 1881 but called Three Chimneys Lane, or sometimes Heath Lane, the latter still used for a length towards Cold Ash.
History Month Fact 11: Thatcham’s name
The earliest know written record of Thatcham’s name comes from c.950 and is spelt Thaecham. This is likely to refer to either Thatched dwellings or the reed beds that run nearby which would have supplied the roofing materials.
History Month Fact 10: Bryan Gush
Bryan Gush, who had a garage in Thatcham, developed his own car that was very successful at Brooklands in Spring 1934.
History Month Fact 9: Winchcombe Charity
Frances Winchcombe is probably best remembered as the founder of the Winchcombe Charity in 1707 AD, which provided for the rebuilding of the derelict Chapel of St. Thomas as a school for thirty poor boys of the district.
History Month Fact 8: Ames Crosta Engineering
Ames Crosta Engineering Co. Ltd had a wind powered sludge pump erected c.1924 at Colthrop Paper Mill. The wind powered unit was of a rather rare variety - the subject of some research over the last few years.
History Month Fact 7: Thomas Newton
The 1851 census lists one Thomas Newton as a surveyor of roads aged 40 and his wife, Emma (nee DEANE) aged 38. Their address was then Sussex Place, Chapel of Greenham, Thatcham.
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