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| HER Number | MWB16330 |
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| Record Type | Monument |
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| Name | Site of Sheffield Farm, Theale |
|---|
Summary
Historic farmstead documented in the 18th century, part of Theale Airfield during the Second World War and a BIC biro factory in the later 20th century, but no longer in existence
Associated Legal Designations or Protected Status
- Conservation Area: Sheffield Bridge
Monument Type(s):
- FARMSTEAD (18th century to Second World War - 1761 AD (pre) to 1945 AD (pre))
- AIRCRAFT HANGAR (Second World War - 1939 AD to 1945 AD)
- PEN FACTORY (Second World War to Late 20th century - 1939 AD to 2000 AD)
Full Description
This farm is recorded on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1878-79 <1> as noted during a 2005 survey of West Berkshire's historic farmsteads <2>. It is also shown schematically on Rocque's map <3>, although not named.
On the First Edition OS map <1> onwards, the Farm is marked with three buildings arranged in a U-shape around the farmyard. During the Second World War, the Farm became part of Theale Airfield and an aircraft hangar was built in the middle of the farmyard for training pilots <4><5>. After the War, the site was used as a Bic biro factory to make ballpoint pens for the RAF until the factory moved north of Arrowhead Road <4><5>. The buildings had all been demolished by the Sixth Edition map of 1977 <6>.
In 1996, a planning application was approved to decontaminate the site, and create a canal side recreation area and car park <7>.
Sources and further reading
| <01> | Landmark. 1872-85. Digital Ordnance Survey Mapping Epoch 1, 1:2500 (25 inch). Digital. 1:2500. Marked 'Sheffield Farm'. [Map / SWB14341] |
| <02> | Orr, S. 2005. West Berkshire Historic Farm Buildings - An Assessment of the Resource and Guidelines for Management. [Unpublished document / SWB14474] |
| <03> | Rocque, J. 1761. Rocque's Map of Berkshire. 1:35,000 (approx). Marked, but not named. [Map / SWB7242]
https://www.rct.uk/collection/700042/rocques-map-of-berkshire (Accessed 09/02/2021) |
| <04> | Wallington, A. 2006. History of Sheffield Bottom Picnic Area. [Personal observation / SWB150417] |
| <05> | Ordnance Survey. 1962-1981. Ordnance Survey Epoch 5, 1:2500. 1:2500. Marked, but not named. [Map / SWB14665] |
| <06> | Ordnance Survey. 1971-89. Ordnance Survey Epoch 6, 1:2500. 1:2500. Not marked. [Map / SWB147952] |
| <07> | Newbury District Council. 1974-2000. Newbury District Council Planning Applications 1974-2000. 96/49252/FUL. [Index / SWB148104] |
Related Monuments
| MWB4041 | Sheffield DMV, Burghfield (Place) |
| MWB22804 | Site of a BIC biro factory, Arrowhead Road, Theale (Monument) |
| MWB16236 | Theale Airfield (Monument) |
Associated Excavations and Fieldwork
| EWB781 | West Berkshire Historic Farm Buildings Assessment |
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