The Invesco Perpetual Henley Gallery
The Invesco Perpetual Henley Gallery tells the story of the town built by the river. From industry to arts, Civil War to sports, Henley has had a fascinating history. Using an interactive touch-screen visitors can start at the top of the church tower to take a virtual tour around the streets of Henley then travel back through time to find out when the town was established, why it has changed over time and how it became world famous.
New for 2011
- Pretend to be at Henley Royal Regatta by trying on historic Edwardian costume
- Pull open the newly refurbished drawers to learn more about the town. Touch a pre-historic handaxe and see tokens from the 1600s used by merchants for accounting, found under the floors of the Chantry House. Hear stories from Henley residents such as Bulstrode Whitelocke, who was an ally of Oliver Cromwell and lived through the civil war.
The Henley Iron Age Hoard
Our latest acquisition is an Iron Age Hoard. It's made up of 32 cold coins dating from approx. 50 AD. It was found in Henley in 2003 and is the only hoard of British-made Iron Age coins from Oxfordshire to survive intact. They have been acquired jointly by the River & Rowing Museum and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
Henley was established in the 12th century when its location by the river made it ideal as an inland port for shipping timber, grain and firewood to the rapidly growing city of London. From this time onwards the town's fortunes were linked to the river and transport. Boats, stagecoaches, railway engines and motors have in turn brought goods and people to the town for business and pleasure.
Henley Royal Regatta has made the town of Henley on Thames the international home of rowing. Established in 1839, and gaining a royal patron in 1851 the Regatta brings together top oarsmen and women from around the world and is seen as a highlight of the English social calendar. From hats to hatchet blades, the essence of town and Regatta celebrations since 1899 are captured on film in the gallery.
Henley from the Wargrave Road
Painted in 1698 by Dutch master Jan Siberechts, Henley from
the Wargrave Road enjoys its own room within the Henley
Gallery. A masterpiece displaying the multifaceted life of the town
and surrounding countryside, its origins are only now coming
to light. The painting is however rich in social history showing
the vibrant river trade, agriculture and social hierarchy alongside
a still familiar view of the town.
Henley from the Wargrave Road was purchased with the
assistance of the National Arts Collection Fund and the Heritage
Lottery Fund
