10 May 2009
The population of the parish in 1881 was 2,882 persons. This had slightly increased over that in 1871, 2,845 persons, and was to continue to increase more rapidly over subsequent decades. In 1981 the population of the parishes of Thatcham and Cold Ash combined (in 1881 Cold Ash was part of Thatcham parish) was 16,649 …
9 May 2009
During the civil war between Empress Matilda and King Stephen, Matilda presents Thatcham church to Reading Abbey. The abbots possess absolute power over their territories and are freed from all taxes and feudal dues on lands granted to them. A house is erected at Henwick (the first time the name is mentioned) for overseers of …
8 May 2009
St. Thomas Chapel, the “Chapel of the Borough”, is built in 1304AD at East Street, now Chapel Street, financed by Sir Richard de Fokerham of Colthrop. It will later become the Bluecoat School and is Thatcham’s oldest remaining building after the church of St. Mary’s, and the only grade 1 listed building in Thatcham. The …
7 May 2009
The Domesday book shows that Thatcham is the centre of a royal estate of a number of manors; Thatcham, Midgham, Greenham and Crookham. As a royal estate it pays no taxes. The Domesday entry for Thatcham records demesne lands as two hides and land for 25 ploughs, 35 villeins and 12 cottagers, with 25 ploughs …
6 May 2009
St. Mary’s Church is believed to have originally been built on the site of a Saxon Church dating from the mid seventh century. This would have been a wooden structure, probably pulled down before being rebuilt in stone by the Normans. Largely restored in the nineteenth century, the main archway in to the church is …