Over 55s development gets its new name

Former Waring House development named after 15th-century philanthropist Alice Bye

A CEREMONY was held recently to officially name a new development in Thatcham for the over-55s.

The former Waring House site in Bluecoats, which is being developed into 51 apartments, is to be named Alice Bye Court because of the significant role Alice Bye played in the history of the town.

The name was put forward by Thatcham Historical Society.

The chairman of the society, Nick Young, said: “Alice Bye created one of the earliest charities in Thatcham, around 1413, giving a burgage tenement [a property with arable land attached] to the church wardens.

“We thought the name Alice Bye Court would not only highlight an important person from our past but also the charitable nature of so many of its inhabitants, past and present.”

The new facility, which has been commissioned by West Berkshire Council in partnership with Housing 21, which will manage the development, is due to be completed in the spring.