History Month Fact 31: Spelling of Thatcham

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.