Cricklade buildings [9]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 25 Aug 2019

Thames Hall was built in 1870 as a Wesleyan Chapel. It ceased to be used when the congregation amalgamated with the Primitive Methodists. It became known as the Priory Methodist hall and was used, at times, as an overspill chassroom for the school on the other side of the river. In 1964, the property was brought by the Trustees of the Cricklade Recreation Club to use for youth activities following the demolition of their hall next to the Town Hall. In 2007 Thames Hall was gifted to Cricklade Town Council by the Trustees and is still mainly used by the local Scout and Guide Groups. Cricklade is the first town downstream on the River Thames. The town was founded by the Anglo-Saxons in the 9th century at the point where the Roman Ermin Way crosses the River Thames. It is one of the thirty burhs (fortified towns) recorded in the Burghal Hidage document, which describes a system of fortresses and fortified towns built around Wessex by King Alfred. The fortifications have been extensively excavated in several places on all four of its sides.

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