Thatcham Historical Society

I am  writing a disertation with the working title of 'How did the experiences of the Newbury Home Guard differ from those around the country?' I say working title as I am yet to speak to or find out a huge amount the Newbury Home Guard itself!

Therefore, I am thinking of widening the title, as  have been in contact with a number of people from the surrounding area, East End and Hungerford for example. I wonder if you might have any information yourselves regarding the Newbury Home Guard, or that of Thatcham and your surround area. Perhaps you might even have any veterans, which would be brilliant!

Kind regards,
Max Girdler

I am hoping someone may be able to assist me with the following:

An illegal 'hovel' was built on Midgham Green c1770 by Stephen Tegg.  In 1841c a gt.grandson William Tegg was living in a cottage on Midgham Green.  Shortly afterwards he moved away.  William was one of only two 'ordinary' householders to pay tax around this time the other being Mr. Goswell.

A cottage on Midgham Green survives from around this time and I have a current map showing its position.

I would like to confirm, if possible, if the illegal hovel is the thatched cob cottage presently known as ''Toad Hall'' on the Green or not.  I do not know what happened to William Tegg's home after he moved or even if his home was in fact the same one built by Stephen.

I am researching Bristol stage coaches, and am particularly interested in Edward Fromont and Thomas Cooper, both of Thatcham and important coachmasters.  I am aware from books about Thatcham that Cooper's Cottage has been demolished, but would be most grateful if you could tell me whether there are any views of it.

Sarah Orr from West Berkshires Archaeology Service who is the Historic Environment Record Officer (HERO) gave a talk on her job and the archaeology in the area. Sarah works in a small team of just two people, the other being Duncan Coe, and are responsible for the recording of archaeology within West Berkshire. The department has only existed within West Berkshire Council since 2000, before which the archaeology unit/service was an independent body.

An event is being organised to coincide with National Local History Month and also in memory of the late Peter Allen who passed away in May 2009. Hence the series of lectures is to be called “The Peter Allen Memorial Lectures.” The event is being organised by Thatcham Historical Society, but with a great deal of help and support from many individuals and organistions. For more information, please see www.paml.info.