River History Trail
for families rrm.co.uk Henley-on-Thames RG9 1BF
1 Mill Lane car park
2
4 3
River and Rowing Museum 5 Marsh Lock Marsh Meadow
6
1 Henley Bridge These stopping points 2 Hobbs of Henley can be explored in the order that suits you, from 3 Bandstand close up or from afar. 4 Museum Jetty 5 Towpath and Bridge 6 Marsh Mill Welcome to the River Thames!
This trail will help you to uncover the history of the river here in Henley on Thames. There is a map to show you where to go, things for you to nd and ideas to discuss!
Share your trail experience @riverandrowingmuseum
@river_rowing
@riverandrowingmuseum Did you know...
Humans have depended on the River Thames for food and water for around 850,000 years! 1 Henley Bridge
Henley Bridge is around 240 years old! It was built in 1774 after the original wooden bridge that stood in the same place was washed away in a ood.
Henley Bridge is an important crossing point along the River Thames. 1
When the bridge was built people travelled by stage coach. Only 13 stage coaches crossed the bridge each day.
Some used a horn to signal their arrival so they could pass quickly through the toll gates at either side of the bridge.
Images of stage coach
A stagecoach at Henley 1
Listen carefully…
What sounds can you hear?
Which of these sounds would you not have heard 200 years ago?
What would you have heard instead?
BEEP! HONK! HONK!T! TOO TOOT 2 Hobbs of Henley Henley used to be a busy port where goods such as timber and grain were transported by boat to London. Today most of the boats on the river are for people to relax in.
Image of Willow 2
Hobbs of Henley have worked on the river for over 100 years. Their boats help people to see and enjoy the river. Can you spot these di erent boats?
Rowing Boat Boat with a motor
Luxury Passenger Boat Which one would you like to use? What other types of boat can you see? 3 Bandstand People have enjoyed relaxing by the River Thames in Henley for hundreds of years. The Victorians made it a popular tradition to listen to live music and have picnics along the riverbanks.
© The Graphic 3
Compare this Victorian drawing of people relaxing by the river with what you can see today.
Can you see any similarities or di erences?
Henley Royal Regatta’, from The Graphic, 18 July 1891Before the First World War,© The GraphicRiver & Rowing Museum Collection 4 Museum Jetty Hippos lived in the River Thames 120,000 years ago!
What wildlife can you see by or in the river today?
How are these animals suited to living along the river? 5 Towpath and Bridge A strong animal was used to pull boats along the river. This animal would have walked along the path that you are standing on.
What animal do you think would have done this job? 5
A Horse!
The horses needed help crossing the river, so a bridge was built for them to walk across. This bridge is called.....
Horse Bridge!
How do boats move on the river today? 6 Marsh Mill This is the site of Marsh Mill which made paper. The force of the water’s energy turned a water wheel which in turn powered the mill.
Can you see the water rushing through the mill race? 6
Listen carefully to the river moving.
Can you think of some words to describe the sounds you can hear?
Complete the sentence below to describe how the river is moving. The river ______like a ______. Congratulations!
You have completed the River History Trail.
For more activities visit rrm.co.uk
Don’t forget the Museum Shop and Café to complete your visit!