Remenham is a hamlet on the Berkshire bank of the River Thames, east of Henley-on-Thames. The name means “home of the ravens” and is probably derived from the Saxon god, Woden, whose symbol was the raven. Most of the inhabitants of Remenham were killed by the plague in 1664 and Remenham has remained a small hamlet ever since. It is known for its association with rowing and in particular, since 1839, Henley Royal Regatta. At the start of the race course, is the Greek-style temple on Temple Island, which was designed by James Wyatt in 1771 as a folly for Fawley Court on the Henley side of the River Thames. Remenham is host to many rowing regattas.
St. Nicholas Church is first mentioned in a Westminster Abbey charter in 1076. Very little remains of the ancient church, but the chalk window near the pulpit and some of the north wall, date from about 1320. The church has a skilfully carved lychgate, dedicated to the memory of Violet Constance Noble of Park Place, who died of scarlet fever, aged 14, in 1884. Also of note, is the grave of Caleb Gould, the lock keeper of Hambleden Lock, who died aged 91. On his grave are the words of the poet John Gay, “this world’s a jest; and all things show it. I thought so once; but now I know it.”
Much of the riverside forms part of Remenham Farm, owned by the Copas family, including Temple Island Meadows. Several of the former farm buildings have been converted into office accommodation, known as Riverside Barns. Temple Island Meadows is the venue for an annual pop music festival held in August, known as the Rewind Festival. It was first held in 2009 and is devoted to performers who first had success in the 1980s, hence it is also known as the 80’s Rewind Festival. The performers appearing in 2016 include, Leo Sayer, Heather Small, Adam Ant and Rick Astley.
Where in England is Remenham, Berkshire?
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