Written by Peter Allen. © Thatcham Historical Society, 1979. Occasional Paper Number 1,
Preface
This is what I hope may be the first of a series of 'occasional papers' to be produced by the Thatcham Historical Society. The Society exists to promote an interest in local history in Thatcham and district, and offers a programme of talks, films and visits. Regular meetings are held at the Kennet School, Thatcham, at 7.30 pm on the last Monday evening of each month during school terms. Membership is currently £1 per annum, which includes Corporate Membership of the Berkshire Archaeological Society.
Half a century ago this year, a strange discovery was made in Thatcham church tower, the 'coffin in the belfry', which gives this paper its title. Although there must be people in Thatcham today who can still remember the discovery being made, my initial enquiries revealed how few people knew of the find, or any of the details surrounding it. In a rapidly expanding township like Thatcham with a relatively high turnover of population, even very recent history is likely to be soon forgotten, so I have attempted to record what is known of the 'coffin in the belfry' here but perhaps I should add that many questions concerning it remain unanswered.
I am indebted to the staff of the Berkshire County Record Office, Shire Hall, Reading, for their generous assistance in allowing me access to the records on which my research has been based. I am also extremely grateful to the editor of the 'Newbury Weekly News' Northbrook Street, Newbury who kindly gave me permission to quote from contemporary reports in the newspaper; this facility has been invaluable to me.
I have, moreover, drawn on more general information in an excellent study of archival documents, "The Parish Chest" by the late W.E.Tate, his discussion if parochial records may have some bearing on the issue in question. The poem which is used as an introduction to this paper is taken from "Songs of Innocence and Experience` by William Blake, and other verses have been selected from Thomas Hardy's poem "To an Unborn Pauper Child", perhaps they too have something to say on the matter?
Finally, although I have taken every care in the preparation of this modest composition, I must state that responsibility for any errors or omissions rests with me alone.
Peter Allen, M.A.
January, 1979
Kennet School,Thatcham
