My home town since the age of 11 is Henley on Thames. An attractive market town, on the banks of the river Thames in Oxfordshire.
Henley comes to prominence, every year at the end of June, start of July for it’s annual Royal Regatta. But, it’s appeal endures throughout the rest of the year.
Rumour has it that Henley probably owes its existence to King Henry II. Medieval records indicate that he had “bought land for the making of buildings.”
Approaching Henley from the Maidenhead direction, you cross over the bridge; documents from 1234 give the bridge its first mention. Although the bridge in my photograph was not constructed until 1786. As you sit in your car at the traffic lights, look to your left; and you will see the pub – The Angel on the Bridge, which appears in many photographs of Henley.
On your right, also just visible in the photograph is the Church of St Mary the Virgin. Historical records indicate that a church had been established here by 1204, although it was likely that it was built before this.
Henley does suffer from a lot of traffic passing through it, as it on the main route from the M4 to either Oxford or Reading. It does seem that problems with the roads stem from an earlier time in history, as in 1205, the settlement received a paviage grant to improve the roads and pathways.
In 1337, Henley was gifted to John de Molyns, whose family controlled the town for the next 250 years.
Like most towns in England, Henley suffered greatly during the Black Death, probably around 60% of the population died. This caused labour prices to rise, and landowners suddenly found it far more difficult to recruit and retain good labourers and skilled men.
Black Death marked the beginning of the end of the old feudal system that had kept the common man subservient to the rich landowners for hundreds of years.
The town had recovered by the start of 16th century and had extended along the west bank of the River Thames. Friday Street marked the boundary in the south and the Manor, now Phyllis Court, was at the northern edge of the town. The town also included Hart Street and New Street and, to the west, Bell Street and the Market Place.
A period of prosperity followed in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the town became known for glass manufacture. Henley became a centre for malt production, and a trade in corn and wool flourished. Being on the river, meant that Henley supplied London with timber and grain.
The town had recovered by the start of 16th century and had extended along the west bank of the River Thames. Friday Street marked the boundary in the south and the Manor, now Phyllis Court, was at the northern edge of the town. The town also included Hart Street and New Street and, to the west, Bell Street and the Market Place.
A period of prosperity followed in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the town became known for glass manufacture. Henley became a centre for malt production, and a trade in corn and wool flourished. Being on the river, meant that Henley supplied London with timber and grain.
Sadly, these trades diminished and Henley could have faded into obscurity. However, at a public meeting at the town hall on 26th March 1839, Captain Edmund Gardiner made a suggestion that would lead to the establishment of the world famous Regatta, which became ‘Royal’ in 1851, when Prince Albert became the first Royal patron.
To this day, the town comes alive with visitors at the end of June and early July. Brightly coloured blazers adorn the banks of the river Thames, all hoping that their crews will be successful.
A relatively recent addition to the Henley ‘scene’ is the Henley Festival, which follows one week after the Regatta. Renowned musicians and actors perform to ticket holders from Wednesday to Sunday in the idyllic setting on the river. What could be better for a lovely summer’s evening? (Not so good in the rain mind you!)
The town offers many interesting and unusual shops, such as the wonderful chocolates on offer at Gorvett and Stone:-
There are some independent clothes shops, and a well known supermarket!
Henley is also not short of a restaurant or two! My personal favourite however is the Catherine Wheel, which is supposedly haunted by the ghost of Mary Blandy
Not really much more that I can say, other than go and visit it and see for yourselves:-
My score :-
Out of 5 would be 5. Just perfect to me, no complaints whatsoever!
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