History

Our Community and its History

Our area, the Clay Hill area (Often called North Newbury, or Shaw), is broadly to the north of the A4 (The London Road) just before Thatcham. The river Lambourn runs through the area, on its way to join with the river Kennet. Clay Hill is the steep slope where the road comes up the side of the ridge affording beautiful panoramic views across the Kennet valley.

What we think was probably just agricultural land in years gone by, actually provided the stage for a very interesting history.

Although we don't know for sure, it is likely that a Roman road Ermine Street, ran through the area connecting Thatcham and Speen. There is some thought that the route would have been used before the (then rather poor quality) Bath Road was improved. During winter it could have been used to avoid the marshes at Hambridge.

In ancient times, Clay Hill was a particularly useful military position. During the Civil War, in the Second Battle of Newbury Parlimentary troops assembled there prior to marching round the downs to the battle Later they fought at Shaw House, where a sniper narrowly missed killing Charles I. The names of their commanders are remembered in many of the local street names.

The significance of the strategic position can still be seen today looking across the Kennet Valley - particularly from the park land by Stoney Lane junction with Manor Way.

Shaw House itself is adjacent to our District, between the Parish Church and old Mill, now being properly restored - the parkland and riverside surrounding it are a wonderful and historic feature of this area.

Apart from Road names, nothing is left of the most obvious industry in the area brick and pipe making. This went on for many years and there were quite extensive kilns at the brow of the hill, up until the middle of the last century. In fact Kiln Road was named after this in particular - the huge brick kilns were built at the top of this steep road, where Quantel and more recently Vodafone have placed their offices.

Smiths Terrace is a reminder of our coaching past - said to have provided housing for the coachmen!

The industrial age brought the railway the Didcot to Southampton line ran through the area. This was one of last main interconnecting railways to be built in 1880s- unfortunately, because of its late arrival commercial rivalries meant it turned out to be rather unprofitable. However, it was of strategic importance during the Second World War when the line was doubled. Sadly, the line didn't escape the Beeching cuts, and was removed during the 1960's.

The coming of the railway actually prompted development in the area which from then on was steady and constant. Trade directories of the time show that 'Shaw Fields' was a steadily developing hamlet, with homes starting to appear along and off Kiln Lane as the road was then called,

World War Two brought other activity to the area and an Aircraft Factory, operated by Hawker Siddley was built in Turnpike Road. This site now accommodates the offices of the technically and world renowned Quantel group. Over the years, the district, or rather, Shaw House attracted the Monarchy for one reason or another. Moving with the times, our present Queen has visited Quantel to see their advanced technology products.

Today, the area is just beginning to consolidate after several phases of housing development. This continues a process that started back in the 1930s when the attractions of the area were beginning to be discovered. Since then, several distinct and very well designed developments have been completed and are beginning to mature.

Immediatly adjacent to the eastern boarder, Newbury's new community hospital has been constructed - which adds further to the facilities in the district.