St Thomas the Martyr seemed popular in Thatchams past – there was a Chapel built in his name as well as a Fair held in his honour.
In 1222 King Henry III issued a fair to be held on the eve and day of the feast of St Thomas the Martyr (6-7th July). This was later abandoned, being replaced by two separate one day fairs during April and September. This then continued until 1888.
Near the end of the 13th century, as Thatcham was thriving, the Abbot of of Reading encouraged King Edward I to grant Thatcham ‘borough’ status (possibly to help with financial difficulties the Abbot was said to be suffering!).
In 1304 it was established that the existing nave and chancel was inadequate for the needed requirements, so the chapel of St Thomas the Martyr or St Thomas’ Chapel (now know as The Old Bluecoats) was constructed near the boundary division of Colthrop Manor estate (now the A4).
Services were held in the chapel for nearly 250 years before being left in a state of disrepair and ruin for approximately 150 years.
Lady Fances Winchcombe, widow of Sir Henry Winchcombe, bought the rundown chapel in the early 1700′s, gave the order to have the repairs and alterations made and then handed the chapel to trustees, in order for them to create a Blue Coat School.
Her wishes weren’t carried out immediately, as The Blue Coat School wasn’t opened until 1713 – however, it stayed as The Bluecoat School until 1914.
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