Bisham

About

Bisham is a village and parish in the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. 

Its woodlands, the best-known being the Quarry Woods, provide a splendid backdrop to the many historic buildings both large and small along the road to Marlow. Bisham Woods is a national nature reserve.

Today, the parish is probably best known for Bisham Abbey, home of Anne of Cleeves and now Sport England’s National Sports Centre and Bisham Church. The Abbey is a Grade I Listed, mainly Tudor and incorporates parts of Bisham Priory, which was founded by the Knights Templar in 1338.

The riverside Church of All Saints, largely dates from the Victorian restoration of 1849, with a Norman tower dating from 1175 and the 16th century south chapel. The chapel holds a spectacular collection of monuments to the Hoby family, who lived at the adjoining manor of Bisham Abbey. Margaret Carey Hoby was Queen Elizabeth I’s cousin and she was visited at the Abbey by her royal relative. 

Bisham Abbey and Bisham Church are mentioned in Jerome K Jerome’s, Three Men in a Boat.

‘Just before you come to the abbey, and right on the river’s bank, is Bisham Church, and, perhaps, if any tombs are worth inspecting, they are the tombs and monuments in Bisham Church. It was while floating in his boat under the Bisham beeches that Shelley, who was then living at Marlow (you can see his house now, in West street), composed The Revolt of Islam.’
The National Sports Centre provides a base for river activities:

• Bisham Abbey Sailing & Navigation Centre - On offer is a wide range of RYA courses including: Dinghy sailing for children and adults | Shore-based theory Day Skipper | Add-on courses such as First Aid, Diesel Engine and Radar plus practical motor boat handling courses
• Bisham Abbey Art Afloat - Cruise the river Thames from Bisham Abbey whilst taking part in a relaxing days art tuition, either with experience or not.
• Moose Canoe & SUP Hire - - Hire a single or double sit on top kayak for the day from Moose Canoe Hire based at Bisham Abbey, Marlow.
• Calmer Cruising – Enjoy River Thames cruising on a luxurious self-drive widebeam with the style of a Canal Boat.