Welcome to Our Space

Grade II listed building in the heart of henley-on-thames.

12 Hart Street

12 Hart Street is a unique, quirky, and historical building. The first quirky feature is our Centre has not always been known as No.12. Historically it was No. 14 and at times it has been known as No. 12-14. Today we know it as No.12 Hart Street.

The building has heritage and cultural interest and is a Grade II listed building. It is located within the Henley-On-Thames Conservation Area. The building is :

‘a designated heritage asset of high historic and architectural interest. Its historic interest is in illustrating the development of a building constructed of vernacular materials in the late 17th century that was subsequently adapted in the early 19th century… The architectural interest of the building is high and most significant for the earlier timber framed elements, constructed over a brick basement.  The site itself is of high archaeological interest and has the potential to contain evidence for the evolution of Henley as an historic riverside settlement.’ (SODC)

It is most likely that the Centre was originally residential, which is why it maintains a lovely, homely feel.

Henley-on-Thames

‘Henley is an attractive market town located on the banks of the River Thames, close to the Chiltern Hills. A settlement was first established by Henry II in the late 12th century, when the principal features of the town were laid out. These include St Mary’s Church, Market Place, Hart Street and the long narrow gardens which stretch out from the backs of the buildings which now line these streets, referred to as “burgage plots”. Although the bridge was rebuilt in the late 18thcentury, some late 12th-century fabric still remains in the abutments facing the town.

The town developed as a port for exporting grain and other produce to London and by the 15th century Bell Street, New Street and Friday Street had been laid out. St Mary’s Church was extended and new timber-framed buildings were being built along the principal streets, some of which remain. Further expansion occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, when the timber buildings were largely re-fronted in brick and new, prestigious houses built for the wealthy brewers and merchants who lived in the town.

Today, Henley is characterised by its medieval street plan, by the survival of its burgage plots, by the continuous terraces of listed buildings along its principal streets and by its attractive riverside setting.’

(The Executive Summary of the special interest of the conservation area)

 

On The Inside

Discovery

During the refurbishment stage, we were delighted to discover the following items dating back to 1921.

We have now framed these items and they are proudly hanging up in one of the counselling rooms. 

Welcome to Our Wonderful Space