Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames is a town on the north side of the River Thames in South Oxfordshire, England, about 10 miles downstream and north-east from Reading, 10 miles upstream and west from Maidenhead. It is located on the corner between Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Population 10,558 (1991 census).

Establishment

The town itself was established in the 12th century. It owes much to its location and port that supplied London with timber and grain.

Historic structures

There is a five arched bridge across the river. It was built in 1786. The St. Mary church is located nearby and features a tower built in the 16th century.

Historic figures

William Lenthall was born in Henley-on-Thames. He was Speaker of the House of Commons between 1629 and 1640.

Rowing regatta

Henley is a centre for rowing, each summer holding the Henley Royal Regatta, one of the highlights of the social calendar of the English upper classes. The regatta is held on a stretch of the river that is naturally straight. The event became Royal in 1851. In that year Prince Albert became the patron of the regatta.

See also

Henley, New Zealand