The Henley Archaeological and Historical Group held its AGM on 4th March at the Chantry House.
In addition to the main business of the Meeting, members enjoyed several short presentations.
The first of these was given by Steve O’Connor, at the River and Rowing Museum until the end of May, who put forward options for the future of the Museum, including the local history collection. The museum has suffered financial losses yearly since its foundation and its reserves have been depleted. The HAHG is most concerned that the collection relating to the history of the Henley are preserved and made available to the public.
The formal business of the Group was then conducted at pace with the minutes and accounts being accepted and a new committee elected in place. In his
report, the chairman looked forward to the seminar and walks of the town for the VE celebrations on 10th May.
Following on, one of the Group’s members, Hilary Fisher, spoke to us on the history of the corner of Friday Street and Duke Street from 1728. Hilary’s talk was based on thorough research into the original deeds of the buildings and of the wills of residents. Hilary gave a detailed and fascinating account of the course of ownership and use of the buildings on the site.
A second talk was then given by another member, José Griffin, who traced the locations of the 1908 boundary posts of the old Henley Borough. According to the Ordnance Survey, there were originally 25 posts. José has been able to locate just 15 of them to date, not all of which were in their original locations.