Thatcham: In the beginning

I have been writing articles on behalf of Thatcham Historical Society. Here is a copy of one of the first articles:

There have been Palaeolithic, old stone age, axes found in the area but the first settlement dates to about 10,000 years ago during the Mesolithic period, middle stone age. A series of shelters was erected on a pine covered gravel bluff near the modern sewage works on Lower Way Lane where flint tools were unearthed, as well as hearths and flint knapping floors. Excavated food and bones included those of the red deer, roe deer, wild pig, elk, horse, ox beaver, pine marten, fox, dog, wolf and wild fowl.

The Bronze and Iron ages followed with settlements dotted about the area and then the Romans arrived. A settlement was created in the area of Henwick Lane.  Excavations of the area found buildings; pottery, tiles, household implements and coins as well as wells.

The Roman legions were withdrawn from Britain in the early fifth century. This left Britain to the mercy of the Anglo Saxon and the creation of what we would recognise as Thatcham today.