Thatcham church included in Heritage Open Days

The Grade II listed, St Mary The Virgin Church, in New Road, was the first property from a town outside Newbury to be included. The Thatcham church was among four new local historical treasures to browse this year - with a total 17 properties open.
The late Victorian church by Henry Woodyer, in Early English style, features frescos on the walls and arch by J A Pippet, depicting the scriptures. The roof vault is also painted.
The stained glass includes a 1618 Dutch Tree of Jesse - a popular subject in the Middle Ages, inspired by Isaiah 11: 1 - 3.
The nave and chancel are dated 1875 to 1876, north aisle 1888, baptistry 1895 and 1888 organ by Alphonse Cary of Newbury. The church replaced a 13th century chapel.
A total 38 per cent of the cost of building and decorating the church was borne by Lloyd Baxendale, Lord of the Manor of Greenham, whose tomb and that of his family are at the rear of the church, which serves a congregation of about 100 from Newbury and Greenham.
The other three properties to be added to the list of Heritage Open Days properties this year included: Donnington Hospital, St Mary’s Church, Shaw and New Greenham Arts, with an art exhibition and theatre rehearsal at the latter.
The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, of Clifton, who lives in Newbury, officially opened the weekend in the Market Place on Saturday morning, where he said he supported the work of Newbury Society, who organised the weekend, in association with Newbury Twin Town Association.