Thatcham Historical Society

A large audience gathered to hear Dr David Peacock give a talk on the place names of Berkshire. David noted that whilst many names date to the Anglo-Saxon period, some have their roots much earlier dating from pre-Roman times. The later includes the River Thames (Temesa) and Rive Kennet (Cynetan). David noted several place names and where they originate from including: Combe – adapted in to Anglo-Saxon and means a bowl shaped valley. An example would be Combe Town, which today we know as Compton.

A packed room greeted Geoff Hide who presented his talk “Whitchurch Silk Mill” tonight (29th March 2010).

Abstract:

A packed room gathered for the Annual General Meeting of the Thatcham Historical Society on Monday (25th January). Sue thanked the members for the continued support of the society and fellow committee members for their hard work in promoting and organising events over the past year. Sue reviewed the events of 2009 and noted that for various reasons one of our trips had to be cancelled.

Sue noted that dolls houses, collecting and making, was the second fastest growing hobby in the world. A hobby that dates back to the Egyptians who are known to have had dolls, although there is no evidence of dolls houses (or pyramids!).

Sue noted that dolls houses, collecting and making, was the second fastest growing hobby in the world. A hobby that dates back to the Egyptians who are known to have had dolls, although there is no evidence of dolls houses (or pyramids!).