Photos

Henley-on Thames. (Oxon.) right

Henley has often been referred to as 'the Mecca' of the rowing man (most notably by Charles Dickens). The 18th Century Bridge features carvings of 'Thames' and 'Isis'. The very first Oxford-Cambridge Boat race was rowed between Hambleden and Henley on the 10th of June 1829, but then moved to it's present location between Putney and Mortlake.

This town, of course, is still famed for it's traditional Regatta, which began in 1839, and is held in the first week of July. The Regatta became 'Royal' when Prince Albert became its Patron in 1851. Henley also boasts the fourth oldest Theatre in England - The Kenton Theatre, built in 1805.

Newbridge (oxon.) left

One of the older bridges to span the Thames, it was built in the 13th Century and features rather distinctive pointed arches. It was the site of a Civil War battle where the Parliamentarians were successfully balked, by the Cavaliers, at reaching Faringdon.

Immediately above the bridge the tributary 'Windrush' enters the Thames, and after a lot of rain makes negotiating the bridge 'interesting'!

Although now the village has vastly reduced in size, there remains two Pubs on either bank of the River, these being the Rose Revived and the Maybush.

Windsor. (Berks.) left

'Royal' Windsor, as the name suggests, in steeped in tradition and history. The original castle was founded by William the Conqueror, then later became a Royal residence since the reign of Henry I. The buildings of Windsor reflect the grandeur and important patronage of the Royal family, for example the Town Hall built by the one time Member of Parliament of the Borough, Sir Christopher Wren was completed 1690 after a design by Sir Thomas Fitch.

The Castle, nevertheless, dominates the town and can been seen, in all it's magnificence, from slowly cruising down the river.

St. Johns Lock, Lechlade. (Glos.) Right

St. Johns lock, the first (or last) and highest lock on the Thames was named after it's adjacent Bridge, the original one built by the Monks of St. Johns Priory in 1229. The town of Lechlade is the effective start to Navigation on the Thames, although small craft (canoes, rowing boats etc) can travel many miles further upstream. A wharf situated near Halfpenny Bridge delivered food and stone down river and was especially important to the development of medieval Oxford. A statue of 'Old Father Thames' now resides on the Lockside at St. John's Lock.