Wargrave

About

This large village on the River Thames in Berkshire, is also close to the River Loddon. On the opposite bank is Shiplake. Listed in the Domesday Book of 1086, it has an historic centre, originating in the Tudor period with many listed buildings and two marinas. Wargrave is mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome's, 1889 book Three Men in a Boat (Chapter XIV). ‘Wargrave, nestling where the river bends, makes a sweet old picture as you pass it, and one that lingers long upon the retina of memory.’

St Mary's parish church dates from the 12th century. In 1914 it was set on fire and gutted as a result of a mistakenly targeted direct action by the Suffragette Movement. The north door remains from the 12th century, the tower from 1635 and the remaining structure was built following the fire. This is a Grade II* listed building. In the gardens of the churchyard is the Hannen Columbarium, designed by Edwin Lutyens, a columbarium built to house the remains of the Hannen family. A Madame Tussaud is buried in the churchyard - grandaughter-in-law of the famous wax-worker.

The “George and Dragon" at Wargrave boasts a sign, painted by two Royal Academicians, G.D. Leslie and J. Hodgson. Leslie has depicted the fight; Hodgson has imagined the scene, "After the Fight"— George, the work done, enjoying his pint of beer.

DIRECTIONS

Wargrave is situated in the A321 road 7 miles (11 km) from both Maidenhead and Reading and 3 miles (4.8 km) from Henley-on-Thames.

Train – Great Western Railway (Henley Branch Line)

EVENTS

August - the Wargrave & Shiplake Regatta takes place over two days on the Shiplake riverbank opposite.

PLACES TO STAY AND EAT

The Bull (Brakspear) - A traditional 15th century village inn with a delightful secluded walled garden serving top-quality home-made pub food. Stay in one of its 5 en suite bedrooms. 

MARINAS

Bushnells Marine Services offers Thameside moorings and land-based storage, maintenance and repairs along with new and used boat sales.

Willow Marina offers moorings and storage, maintenance and other services.