BRINGING HENLEY’S HISTORY ALIVE

HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Nestled in the Chiltern Hills, on the River Thames, Henley has become world renowned for the International Royal Regatta, held every year. It’s also a great tourist destination spot, helped by the plethora of festivals held here.

Indeed, you may be reading this having visited Henley for one of these events and wish to know more. Well let’s see what we can do to widen your appreciation of my lovely town.

YOUR TOUR GUIDE RICHARD PINCHES

Richard was born in Henley, hence his passion and knowledge of the town. He takes groups on guided historical walks, dressed in a 17th Century period outfit.

The main walk is based around the town centre and takes just over an hour, which is sufficient to discuss the main features including Mary Blandy. Other bespoke talks can be arranged including…

HENLEY HISTORY WALKS

Take a 1 hour guided tour around the centre of Henley with a local customed guide. Miss Mary Blandy, the famous murderess who poisoned her father in 1751 comes to life on tihs walk. Learn her macabre secrets and other fun facts about Henley, including how the English Civil War affected the town. How the town transitioned from commercial inland port to bustling tourist destination. Henley is almost defined by the 1786 stone bridge, learn more about this, and the previous crossings going back to Roman times, and listen to how the Vikings have a connection to Henley.

GHOST WALK

Take a tour around Henley with a renowned local psychic who will tell you about the spirits he sees as you walk around the streets not for the faint hearted. Telling you about Henley’s grim tales and the many spirits he sees as you walk around the ancient streets. Not for the faint hearted.

ENDORSMENTS

‘The walk and talk, historically themed, tour of Henley-on-Thames was expertly guided and narrated by Richard. It was delivered with enthusiasm and extensive knowledge. There is a story to tell at every nook and cranny of this historic town.’ – Mike Clarke Reading

OTHER TALKS

Richard is an accomplished public speaker with many different presentations to offer, from the desert conflict in World War II, to the D-Day invasion and the successful Pegasus ridge operation by the 2nd Ox and Bucks regiment, that kick started the invasion of Europe in 1944.

As a re-enactor Richard has plenty of uniforms and usually delivers talks in appropriate clothing to add something extra to the experience.

GUIDING

History really is Richard’s passion, especially WW2 and even more specifically, the desert conflict, where Richard’s father served in WW2. Working with an Egyptian tour company, Richard takes battlefield tours with a sepaiclaity in the Battle of El Alamein. https://westerndesert.co.uk/

‘Touring a battlefield with someone who has personal connections that can understand others who also do is an immense bonus….. Richard clearly knows his stuff and enjoys it….. it doesn’t take much for that enthusiasm to spread around the group.’ – Neil Walker Guernsey

“Richard lives the part. Combining his knowledge and passion with such a relaxed style, which brings a group together to discuss various aspects of an action on the Battlefield. Those with an interest in the campaigns of North Africa should engage at their earliest opportunity.” – Keith Probert Dubai

HENLEY’S HISTORY

EARLY DAYS

There is evidence of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements in the area. Flint hand axes have been found dating back to the Neolithic age. There was a Roman route from Oxford to London, fording the river where Phyllis Court is now. Henley’s first recorded bridge is dated 1170, remnants of which can still be seen if you know where to look. As an inland port, Henley had a number of wharfs and warehouses to store timber, malted barley and grain for river transport. It took about 4 days to get to London by river.

CIVIL WAR

The town was garrisoned by Cromwell’s forces during the English Civil War, who clashed with the Royalistsin 1642 over control of Henley, with skirmishes and hangings to add to the towns fame.

PRINCE RUPERT