National History Month

Whilst working in the bell tower of St. Mary’s Church in 1929, Mr Maskell discovered a small coffin. An infant’s remains were discovered inside and an inquest followed.

The earliest spelling of Thatcham is Thæc-ham : it is so spelt in the copy of a will belonging to the latter part of the tenth century ; while in the Domesday Survey of 1086 it is spelt Tace-ham. The name may originate from the Saxon settlement, possibly from a chief called Tace. Thus creating Tace’s Ham, evolving over the centuries to become Thatcham. Thakeham in Sussex is also recorded as being known originally as Tace Ham, as no doubt others have.

The six bells in the tower of Thatcham parish church are re-tuned in 1929 and two more are added to complete the octave. Men working in the tower find a tiny coffin containing the mummified remains of a baby. There is an inquest but no explanation has ever been found.

The Parish Council has long been male dominated. This changes in 1919 when ladies are elected for the first time to Thatcham Parish Council. The first two being Mrs. Ashman and Mrs. Pike.

Miss Elizabeth Hughes-Jones established one of the first schools for lady gardeners in the country in 1906. The school was originally known as Henwick Fruit Farm and later as Henwick Fruit and Flower Farm School as well as Thatcham Fruit and Flower Farm School. The school survived in various forms, including a mushroom farm until 1982 and was eventually redeveloped in 1989 with the current Wyevale Garden Centre.

The British School in Church Lane closes in 1913. This is because it is too overcrowded. Pupils move to the new Council School on the London Road, later called the Francis Baily School.