Henley On Thames, New Street c.1955

Photo ref: H73503

More about this scene

Pigot and Co's National Commercial Directory, published in 1830, gives an interesting snapshot of the town just before its rapid decline (the building of the Great Western Railway killed both the commercial river trade and the coach trade at one fell swoop as a result of by-passing Henley). 'Henley, a market town, and one of the neatest, cleanest, and most respectable in the County ... is exceedingly pleasantly situated on the west side of the river Thames'. Commenting on the town's appearance, the Directory says that 'its whole appearance [is] indicating recent improvements, and bearing evidence of the good taste of its inhabitants. The town hall is a considerable ornament to the town, and the market-house is a commodious and well constructed building'. It also describes the town's then economic base: 'a considerable trade is carried on from hence to London, in corn, malt, flour and timber; there is also a considerable manufactory for silk, and another near the town for paper. The inns here are respectable and comfortable; the principal commercial house is the White Hart'.