Socially and economically there have been some very important developments in Thatcham over the last two centuries. Between 1811AD and 1848AD all of the arable land and common pasture within the parish was enclosed, forcing the smallholders out of farming and opening the way for the modernisation and improvement of the industry. Although this change was beneficial in the long term, it undoubtedly caused much hardship to the peasant farmers of the district some of whom left Thatcham to seek livings elsewhere.
The cutting of the Kennet and Avon Canal, completed in 1811AD by John Rennie, and the opening of the Reading to Hungerford Railway Line in December 1847AD by the Great Western Company did little to bring prosperity to Thatcham.
Since 1900AD however, industry has been attracted to the area. The Colthrop Board Mill where paper had been produced for over a century, grew very quickly particularly after its acquisition by the worldwide Reed Paper Company. The Sterling Cable Works was established nearby, and A.W.R.E Aldermaston, A.E.R.E Harwell together with the R.A.O.C Depot at Station Road, Thatcham, have all brought employment and increasing prosperity to the area. This growth has in turn brought a further influx of population, and has attracted numerous smaller businesses into the district.
