Henley

Henley-in-Arden that is, not the other one.  There could be a regatta here, but it would have to be down the main street, as the river, as such, is merely a stream.

Anyway Henley is a very interesting small town a few miles from Stratford (upon Avon) and as we have only driven through for the last year or so decided to pay it a visit.  It is a very old town comprising mainly one main road, though off there are country walks and old churches, St Nicholas Beaudesert dating from 1170, whilst St John’s Church on high street is more recent dating from 1448.

So we took a walk along the high street to look at the architecture and visit the Heritage Centre, due to close tomorrow for the winter.  We also visited Costa for coffee.

The photo is of the old library.  The result of council cut-backs, the library has been closed and taken over by an antique collective.  We didn’t go in.  The other place I noticed that had closed is the impressive police station in the middle of town, yet more cut-backs.  I guess they thought if they close the library there will be no more overdue books so no need for the police to get involved.

What are left are a good few pubs, though according to the heritage centre this is only a small number of the drinking establishments there used to be here.