History Month Fact 19: Hard Times
The winter months of 1886 not only being harsh with the weather but also economy created problems for the people of Thatcham. One extract from the NWN (28th January 1886) shows to what extent:
“A man, his wife and four children were last week endeavouring by singing in Chapel Street to induce the villagers to extend their charity towards them. Three Bluecoat boys came along, Carter, Wells and Maccabee by name. Two of the three gave a copper to the singers, and the third sacrificed his dinner for the benefit of the apparently starving children.”
Newbury Weekly News, 28th January 1886
