URPoint Details
A growing town in the Kennet valley two miles East of Newbury. Its boundaries extend north into the wooded country towards Cold Ash where it reaches 431 feet above sea level.
To the South they extend to take in parts of Crookham Common and reach the Hampshire border at the River Enborne.
Although farming is carried on in the parish, extensive industries have been developed alongside the railway and the Kennet, ensuring that Thatcham does not become just a 'dormitory' town. A wide range of houses is available and Thatcham has a shopping centre, schools and recreation facilities.
However, Thatcham is not wholly modern for its history goes back to the Romans whose Ermin Street traversed the heart of the present parish.
The Normans knew the place as Taceham and by medieval times it was not only a Borough but a larger one than Newbury. In about 1123 the manor was given by Henry I to the monks of Reading Abbey whilst Henry II confirmed the Borough Charter and also granted the place a yearly fair.
Both fair and Borough status have, however, long since gone.
Although largely rebuilt in 1857, tho parish church retains a Norman door with zig-zag carving, some 13th century work and
- Type:
- Landmark