Words : Mike Shaw Photos : Mike Shaw , Beth Kirby , George Everett & Peter Tranter
An idyllic village nestled in the English countryside between the picturesque towns of Marlow and Henley on Thames , Hurley boasts many magnificent buildings . The village church dates back to its founding as a
Benedictine priory in 1086 .
Hurley Manor was requisitioned in World War II for radio communications between allied forces and its spies and secret agents located throughout occupied Europe ; Churchill and Eisenhower are said to have stayed there . Just across the sleepy high street is another historic building – the conveniently located pub , one of two pubs in the village . The Olde Bell is said to be the oldest continuously running inn in England . The original exposed walls that date to its founding in 1135 can still be seen inside the main bar area , behind the greasy lustre of plexiglass .
In the summertime , pleasure boats cruise the length of the Thames , dog walkers and ramblers tread the pathways , and the picturesque quality makes the village a popular filming location for many a murder mystery .
But why dear reader , in the very dead of winter with gloomy grey skies and rain lashing down , is that car park always so damn full ?
ThePADDLER 113