Interesting Facts About Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire is considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in England, and it was chosen by the Times as one of the best places to live in the countryside. Its riverside location provides a perfect setting for enjoying a boat ride, a picnic, or a pint in a pub by the water. The town is not only beautiful but also has a rich history and there are lots of interesting and entertaining events to attend throughout the year. Among these is the world’s greatest rowing regatta, Henley Royal Regatta, which has taken place for 175 years, and the Rewind festival which celebrates 1980’s music.

Some Historical Fats on Henley-on-Thames

The town is first mentioned in the 12th century. In the 14th century the town lost 60 % of its population to the Black Death that was devastating in England. Still in the 15th century an alternative spelling of the town’s name was Henley up a Tamys. Henley Bridge is a five-arched bridge across the river built in 1786. It is a Grade I listed historic structure.

Interesting Places to Visit

Henley-on-Thames is known for its beautiful, historical Henley Bridge, which consists of five arches. The bridge was built in 1786, and it is a Grade I listed structure. A boat called Crazy Love hit the bridge in August 2010, damaging the bridge so badly that it required a £200,000 repair program.

A wonderful option for a pub lunch is The Angel on the Bridge by the river and a Georgian bridge, included in the Guardian’s list of the best UK pubs. Another great choice is The Red Lion, a hotel with a restaurant whose first notable guest was Charles I in 1632 who was traveling to Oxford from London. No one knows when the hotel came into existence, but the first mention of it is from the 16th century.