Written by P.Allen. © Thatcham Historical Society Occasional Paper Number 6
It has been said that a churchyard possesses as much historical interest as does its church. The relationship of the stones to the graves below them is only a part of the interest they hold: they are also interesting as monuments in their own right and they are an invaluable source of historical evidence.
Monumental inscriptions have been extensively studied. Many people find them fascinating for their curious epitaphs or for their primitive imagery. Genealogists are particularly concerned with the family history of the stones record whilst other specialists find them a source of demographic data.
Thatcham's parish churchyard contains gravestones, which lend themselves to all of these uses. To walk amongst them, to observe their styles and to read their inscriptions, is to catch a glimpse of "Old Thatcham". The names of individuals and of families; their achievements and their tragedies; their joy and their sadness: all this and more is recorded in the churchyard memorials.
NOTE: Ideally, this booklet should be read and used in conjunction with another booklet published by the Thatcham Historical Society, "St. Mary's Churchyard Surveyed" by George Sibley, which includes a map.
Most of the stones in the churchyard are of some interest, but only a selection are referred to here. Start at the east gate (from the Broadway) and walk round the church in a clockwise direction - notice on your left:
