The Unveiling

On the 19th October 2008, following a short service in St. Mary's Church led by the Rev. Tony Lynn, the plaque was officially unveiled by Mr. Richard Benyon MP. 

Also present were Mr. Keith Chopping – Chairman of the West Berkshire Council,  Mrs. Barbara Alexander – District Councillor, and Mrs. Sarah Ward – Community Action West Berkshire. The ceremony was also attended by a large number of village residents in addition to the Sunday Club.

The Project

Once the site had been chosen, it became apparent that it was of the upmost importance to ensure that the plaque could be seen from all aspects of approach.  The wall on which it was to be placed is at the junction of the three footpaths, intersecting the churchyard but also visible from the main road.  After a great deal of research a 15” Wedgwood blue ceramic plaque, with white lettering, was felt to be the most appropriate. One of the two craftsmen, that English Heritage use, was chosen and the order was placed in March 2008

In July 2008, on a lovely warm summer’s morning, the work on  the installation of the plaque was started. First of all a template was made and this was used to chisel out a 2” deep circular hole.  Next the workman made up some lime free mortar into which the plaque would be set.  Before that, however, a set of coins were placed into the mortar so that in years to come (probably hundreds), someone may find the coins and think back to the day the plaque was placed there. The plaque was then positioned flush into the wall and the finishing work was completed.

The Domesday Plaque

To commemorate the entry of Hampstead Norreys in the Domesday Book, in May 2007, the Heritage Group agreed to commission a plaque to celebrate this unique event. A huge amount of planning and thought went into choosing the correct site, style of plaque and the wording, which would best reflect the project and the village’s heritage.

English Heritage were very helpful, with regards to the best materials to use and the craftsman who could undertake the work. Permission was kindly given by the owners of ‘The Littens’ to erect the plaque on the church side of their garden wall but because the wall is a Grade II Listed structure ‘Listed Building Consent’ was required and this was successfully obtained in October 2007.