Hidden Henley

The words “The Barrier” will not spark a reaction with most people unless they are familiar with Henley Royal Regatta which is on at the moment, as everyone in the area is aware! Thousands of visitors to our town will pass these old wooden posts along the Berkshire side of the regatta course without giving them a second look. Many who know this towpath will probably remember that there was a cattle grid here in the past. At the moment, it will be unrecognisable from the scene in my photo which was taken weeks ago, but completely crowded with visitors and stalls offering goods, food and drink.

The Royal Regatta commentary is famous for being far ahead in its delivery and efficiency of other sporting events and will certainly mention “The Barrier”, and probably refer to the umpire’s box of the same name in mid-river. There’s a metal plate on the post nearest the river stating that it is 636.7 metres from the start and the first timing point. Races are timed to this point and announcements give spectators the rate of striking of the competitors, together with who is in front and by what amount. I understand that more than three-quarters of the competitors that are ahead here go on to win their race.

Imagine the scene which has been referred to in the printed programmes for this regatta where, many years ago, J D Bishop of Leander Club umpired on horseback! This must have been a sight to behold and hopefully the crowds of spectators kept well back as the horse and umpire thundered past.

No one seems to know the origin of this curious name, although some think it referred to a horse barrier, perhaps connected with horses towing freight barges.