Village History Group

The aims of the Group

• to research, write and publish the history of the village
• to continue to maintain historical records
• to promote interest in the recording of village activities

The Group published the book Windsor Hakeborne: the Story of West Hagbourne to coincide with the millennium year 2000. The publication followed nine years of meticulous research and received very appreciative reviews.

The History Group created an archive for the village and pursued several projects following publication of Windsor Hakeborne.

The History Group closed in 2013 due to the lack of new members.

History Group Projects

• Creation of an historic archive based on the research and photographs compiled for Windsor Hakeborne
• Contributed a copy of Windsor Hakeborne to the Hagbourne millennium capsule.
• Assisted the trustees of the Tyrrell Charity to certify the Tyrrell land with HM Land Registry by providing documentary evidence
• Commissioned a new war memorial plaque bearing the names of all the men from West Hagbourne who gave their lives in two World Wars. Organised a dedication ceremony on Sunday 30th June 2002 at thewar memorial (bus shelter)
• Funded and organised a major restoration of the unique armorial font in the south aisle of St Andrew’s Church, including repainting the family shields of West Hagbourne families in their original colours
• Contributed to the repair of a memorial seat and replacement of dedication plaque to John E Lay, a former Chairman of the Parish Council
• Identified the site of West Hagbourne’s medieval chapel. A Resistivity Survey, completed by a team from the Berkshire Archaeology Research Group (BARG), revealed that the chapel stood close to the site marked on an early map and supports our research from both documentary sources and local tradition
• Asked to prepare an introduction to the West Hagbourne Character Study for SODC. This has now been published and all the recommendations have been accepted, including the inclusion of the Horse and Harrow in the Conservation Area and the point that the bus shelter be noted as the village war memorial
• History Group is represented on the steering committee of the Parish Plan
• Produced notelets featuring drawings by local artists and tea towels bearing the village map.
• Assisted with research for the publication of West Hagbourne at the Court of Star Chamber written by Peter Annells and edited by Jillian Hedges in 2007. This booklet focuses on the 16th century quarrel betwen the Dunch and Windsor families.
• Continuing contributions to the village newsletter, village events, open days and representation on other village groups
• The erection of a seat round part of the chestnut tree in memory of the founder of the History Group, Mary Wiley. This was part funded by the Parish Council