A new look at the history of Thatcham is being written by local author Dr Nick Young, who is the current Chair of Thatcham Historical Society, has already been signed up with a publisher. It is hoped that the publication will be completed later this year and that it may be printed in time for Christmas! The publication will look at a series of photographs of how Thatcham, and surrounding areas, used to look like. Alongside the old views will be photographs from today (2011). Each comparison will be documented with a description of the history and changes made over time.
Thatcham Broadway looking north as it looked in c.1913.
Thatcham Broadway looking north as it looks today, March 2011.
The Broadway in 1913 looks completly different to today. The Broadway was a mix of residential, commerce and industry, however, unlike today this would have included coal merchants, farms and schools, none of which exist in the Broadway today. Children were able to play in the roads, but you need to remember this is at a time when the horse drawn cart was still the main form of road transport.
Nick has already had several photographs loaned and donated to him for use in this and future publications by several locals including Barbara Smith, Stuart Wise, Graeme Stewart and Steve Wimbush. Additional materials are welcomed by Nick, either by loan or donated to him. It is hoped that if enough materials can be obtained, then a second publication will follow in 2012 or 2013 looking in more detail and showing how places change through time rather than just showing two views.
If you would like to loan or donate photographs to Nick, please send him an email via his website.