Members of our Group spent nearly two years researching Henley’s part in the Second World War using contemporary sources and talking to some of our most senior residents.

Life in Wartime Henley is the title of a seminar on 10 May 2025 when the results of their work are presented in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Our small town was officially designated a refuge area, away from bombing, and consequently early in the war it accepted a large number of evacuees, prompted perhaps by its experience of absorbing visitors at annual regattas. Children from London found themselves living in the homes of strangers and even in Friar Park.  Meanwhile, a factory in the heart of Henley was secretly producing vital war equipment. And then the American soldiers arrived….

Seven stories of life in Henley have been printed in our booklet, and this tour is a way of imagining the impact that the war had on the town. It would never be the same again.

There are 8 stops along the tour and it should take you about 45 minutes.