Thatcham | |
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Market town and civil parish | |
![]() Thatcham town centre | |
Location within Berkshire | |
Area | 21.76 km2 (8.40 sq mi) |
Population | 25,464 (2021 Census) |
• Density | 1,170/km2 (3,000/sq mi) |
OS grid reference | SU5167 |
Civil parish |
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Unitary authority | |
Ceremonial county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | THATCHAM |
Postcode district | RG18, RG19 |
Dialling code | 01635 |
Police | Thames Valley |
Fire | Royal Berkshire |
Ambulance | South Central |
UK Parliament | |
Thatcham is a market town and civil parish in the West Berkshire, England. It is situated in the valley of the River Kennet 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Newbury, 14 miles (23 km) west of Reading and 54 miles (87 km) west of London. The town has a long history dating back to prehistoric times, a claimant to the title of oldest continuously inhabited place in Great Britain. As of 2021, it had a population of 25,464, though it is part of a built-up area comprising itself and neighbouring Newbury of over 70,000 residents.[1] It is on the route of the A4 Bath Road, the historic main road between London and Bristol.