Tadley

History

The origin of the name is uncertain. In old maps and books Tadley can be found spelled as Taddanleage, Tederlei, Titherley, Tudurley, Tadel and Taddeley. As with many other rural British communities, it is assumed that the village began as a clearing in the dense forest which at one time covered the greater part of England. In Old English, Tadde means 'Toad' or 'Frog' and ley being 'a clearing in the woods', so it possibly means "a clearing in the woods with frogs". Most sources, however, say that the name means "woodland clearing of a man called Tada".

In 909, Edward the Elder granted the 'Manor of Overton' to Frithstan, Bishop of Winchester. In the confirmation of this a wood at Tadley is mentioned. The village is mentioned frequently in documents relating to the grant. There was an independent estate in the parish called the 'Manor of Tadley' but later was known as the 'Manor of Withford or Wyford'. In 1166 this property was held by William Hotot. He was succeeded by his son, Robert Hotot in 1205. The first reference to a church at Tadley is in 1286 when Andrew Hotot is recorded as owning the Manor and Church. It could be assumed that a settlement and therefore a church existed at an earlier date in view of the documented references to owners of land at Tadley from 909.

Governance

Tadley is a civil parish with an elected town council Tadley Town Council which consists of 4 parish wards, Central Tadley, South Tadley, North Tadley and East Tadley. These occupy some or all of three wards of Basingstoke and Deane District Council, being Baughurst and Tadley North, Tadley Central and Tadley South. Tadley falls within the area of Basingstoke and Deane District Council and of Hampshire County Council and all three councils are responsible for different aspects of local government.

Geography

Tadley lies next to the northern border of Hampshire, where it meets Berkshire.

It is six miles (10 km) north of Basingstoke, ten miles (16 km) south west of the large town of Reading and ten miles (16 km) south east of Newbury.

Nearby villages are Aldermaston, Baughurst, Pamber Heath, Heath End, Bramley, Mortimer Common, and Silchester.

Economy

The growth in shopping facilities has been slower than the growth in the population. Though there are shops in small groups throughout the town, there is only one significantly-sized shop, a supermarket. For more extensive choice, it is necessary to go to one of the larger nearby towns, Basingstoke, Reading, or Newbury.

The main shopping areas in Tadley are on Mulfords Hill and Bishopswood Road, though there are isolated shops in other parts of the town and parish. A notable business in Mulfords Hill is that of the Royal Warrant Holder for Besom Brooms and Pea Sticks.

Culture and community

Hampshire County Council built a new library for Tadley in 1994. It was opened on 12 October 1994 by Dame Mary Fagan, the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.

A local legend dating from the late 19th century claims that there were treacle mines located in the village, and until well into the 20th century the locals were referred to as "Tadley Treacle Miners". Tadley holds an annual "Treacle Fair" in honour of this legend in early June. It is organised by the Loddon Valley Lions Club, a member of Lions Club International.

Sport and leisure

Tadley has a Non-League football club Tadley Calleva F.C., which plays at Barlow's Park.

Road

The main road through the town is the A340 road, which begins in Basingstoke 6 miles (10 km) to the south and ends in Pangbourne in Berkshire, 10 miles (16 km) north of Tadley.

Bus

Tadley is served by Stagecoach in Hampshire with a regular service to Basingstoke. Newbury Buses and Reading Buses provide a less frequent service to Newbury and Reading.

Rail

Tadley does not have a railway station, but is served by Aldermaston (4 miles (6.4 km) north), Bramley (5 miles (8.0 km) south east) and Basingstoke (6 miles (9.7 km) south).

Education

Children aged 11 to 16 that receive state-funded education are likely to attend The Hurst Community College, though this school is actually located in the adjacent village of Baughurst.

Primary schools in the area include: Bishopswood Infant and Junior Schools, Burnham Copse Primary School, Silchester Church Of England Primary School, Tadley Community Primary School, and The Priory Primary School.

Notable residents

Dean Horrix, who achieved minor fame during the 1980s as part of the Reading football team that won promotion to the Football League Third Division in 1984 and the Football League Second Division in 1986, lived in Tadley with his wife Carol. He remained in the area after leaving Reading for Millwall in 1988 and being transferred to Bristol City in early 1990. He was killed in a car crash in March 1990, aged 27, less than two weeks after signing for Bristol City. His wife was driving the car but survived.