Settlement Pattern & Character

Henley in Arden & Beaudesert lies in the heart of the ancient forest of Arden in a saucer shaped depression of land, which forms the upper reaches of the River Alne. It has a linear form and is bounded on its eastern and western side by low hills. The town is bisected by the A3400, a former ancient coach route between London and Birmingham north-south along the line of the River Alne. At its southern end it is crossed at right angles by the A4189, the Warwick/Redditch Road.

The conservation area consists mostly of the High Street, which is reputed to contain more listed buildings than any other street in England. The rich and unique diversity of architecture and materials, the use of black & white timber and plaster, red brick and stone, together with a variety of roof-levels, create a street in which no single building style dominates. Many of the architectural treasures, namely: The Gables, the Stone House from the 18th century, and the 15th century Guildhall, are in the core of the town around the 15th Century Market Cross.

Together these structures provide the town with the character to make it one of the finest examples of a linear market town in the country.

During the period following the last war there have been several new developments along the length of the High Street, many with questionable suitability. There has also been much in-filling in areas just off the High Street, which has eroded the pattern of the medieval burgage plots. Some developments are hidden behind locked gates, which inhibit participation in town life. There have been some sympathetic new developments, e.g. Horsefair, and many have varied the types of construction and the material used and have included interesting brick details and wrought iron work, e.g. The Yew Trees.

The east side of the High Street, north of St John's Church, is the only remaining area of the town retaining the historic settlement boundaries. The original properties have long gardens burgage plots down to the River Alne, which bounds the settlement area. The views from the footpath along the east side of the river and through the archways of the High Street properties, towards the Mount, are spectacular. These views have not changed since the castle fell into disuse soon after the battle of Evesham in 1265 AD.

The Lime trees lining the High Street, together with the many flower boxes and hanging baskets, add to the general feeling of well-being and prosperity of the town.

North Side

The approach to the town is along the A3400. The disused railway embankment forms a clear boundary between town and countryside. The northern part of the town includes many houses, flats, office accommodation and other businesses mixed in with an ancient coaching inn and the 15th/16th century property known as St Loes. In addition the Abrasives Factory Site is located in this area; this is now closed and its redevelopment affords an opportunity to redress some of the insensitive industrial developments at this end of the town.

East Side

The town is approached on the B4189 down Blackford Hill, the base of which acts as the settlement's natural boundary. On the valley floor the High School, Henley Market, garage and housing estates give no indication of the ancient character of the town.

The main area covered is on Blackford pastures, which was developed from the late 1940's as a small local authority and private dwelling estate on the eastern side of the River Alne, which is served by its own shop. Further development of the area has taken place, in subsequent years, on land adjacent to the Mount and along the River Alne resulting in a high density of building in this area. The later building of Prince Harry Road has encroached upon what was an important piece of natural river landscape, protected by the conservation area and the then green belt. This was despite a recommendation in a 1981 policy statement of the District Council to recognise the importance of protecting the flood plain in order to preserve the natural beauty of the riverbank, and to promote access for the benefit of visitors, residents and future generations

The east side also houses two primary schools, the Medical Centre, the Jubilee Play Area and the Mount, which together provide many open facilities for health, education and recreation.

One of the town's many east-west footpaths runs from the end of Beaudesert Lane to the Jubilee play area at the foot of the Edge Lane escarpment, and is extensively used by children on their way to and from school.

 

West Side

The approach to the town from the west from open countryside is through the railway arch and along New Road, which is bounded to the south by the Ullenhall Brook.

The railway embankment that forms a natural boundary between the residential areas and the open countryside bound the area to the west of Henley. Station Road separates the area into a northern one-third and the remaining two-thirds to the south. To the north lies the well-established Arden Press building, housing association and privately owned housing as well as two complexes of housing specifically designed for the elderly.

The major area of concern on the west side is the railway station that has fallen into disrepair, and therefore gives an unfortunate first impression of the town to rail travellers. The Heart of England long distance footpath enters the town through the allotments west of the railway station. Whilst some allotments are well maintained the general apearance is one of dereliction

The area behind Chestnut Walk stretching to the railway line has been developed into a very pleasant private garden area, whilst south of Station Road extending to the Warwick/ Redditch Road is a 1960's development of low density suburban private housing. The trees, colour and variety of building styles contribute to a pleasant outlook. The new development of houses in Yew Tree Gardens is considered sympathetic, as it has maintained a mature look by preserving many of the original trees and other planting.

Located on the northern side of the Warwick/Redditch Road is one of only three listed buildings not situated on the High Street, namely the Voysey designed Brook End House, built for the Knight sisters from Ullenhall in 1909. The Voysey house is next to a row of semi-detached houses leading to the cross-roads that denote the southern end of town.

To the south of the cross-roads is Glenhurst Road, another of the 1960's developments of private housing which is well screened by trees from the main roads and is approached via a bridge over Ullenhall Brook.

South Side

Approaching the town from the South along the A3400, playing fields to either side of the Stratford Road form a buffer between the town and countryside.

On the west side is a development of semi-detached houses, built in the Arts and Crafts style, known locally as High Hurst. On higher ground, set back from the road, screened by trees, lie Hurst House and Arden Lawn School with extensive playing fields and grounds. These are two of the few listed buildings not found in the High Street. On the opposite side of the main road there is a development of some relatively new mews style housing, behind which is the local High School and River House School.

At the junction with the B4189 the A3400 becomes the southern end of the High Street. This area of Henley includes a block of flats of typical 1960's construction, which do not fit into the general character of the High Street The flats overlook a variety of styles of property including a row of old character cottages and a new development by the traffic lights. The houses in Horsefair and Harris Close are in sympathy with the High Street not in regimented rows and varying in height and style. On the Warwick road is a row of eight 19th century ter- raced cottages.

Beaudesert Lane

This Lane is situated at the very heart of the town, and is what remains of the former settlement of Beaudesert, which predates and for centuries dominated, the more humble market town of Henley. Beaudesert Lane runs east from the High Street by the side of St. John the Baptist Church, and across the river Alne to the 11th Century St. Nicholas church at the base of The Mount. It contains many fascinating buildings of various ages alongside some of modern construction. In-filling has taken place in the Glebe Land and along the course of the River Alne, the effect of which has been to lose public access and views of the River Alne.

The Mount

The area known as The Mount is an area of rough pastureland of approximately 100 acres encompassing the ac tual mound of an ancient motte and bailey castle of 12th century origin. The signs of the old fish ponds can still be seen. Ridge and furrow, and hedges many hundreds of years old, mark the land as this historic parkland it once was.The Mount rises steeply, forming a stop at the end of Beaudesert Lane. The entrance to this open land is through an iron gate, and to the North is a timber side gate inscribed " The Children's Gift"

From the top of the mount there are panoramic views of the town. There is one other footpath that runs along the east side of the river bank accessed from the Mill, at the north of the High Street, and exiting the foot of the mount via the church yard and the Children's Gift gate.

The motte and bailey mound, from which the whole area takes its name, comprises two steep hills with a shallow ditch between. These hills afford good, but contrasting, views of the town - where the historic settlement pattern remains, and towards the Blackford Pastures residential area. Looking east the natural ridge of the hillside dominates the skyline, along which runs the ancient way known as Edge Lane. The footpath here is where the Heart of England Way leaves the town.

The Mount is privately owned pastureland and visitors are fortunate that the present the owner does not restrict walkers to the designated footpaths. The townspeople have shown in public meetings that The Mount is one of the most treasured features of life in Henley. Their aspiration is that the Mount be retained as open space for public enjoyment.

In 1993 the conservation area boundary was extended to protect the setting of The Mount and its relationship with the town. The planning consultants (Alan Smith & Partners Conservation Area Study October 1992) commented that a major aspect of the character and appearance of the conservation area is dependant on "the retention of the traditional spaces in and around the town, for example, the meadows and fields surrounding the Beaudesert Mount with their wild flowers hedges and field trees" . This area is the last remaining vestige of historic boundary of the town with the River Alne and the open land beyond.

Character

The Lord of the Manor and the Court Leet make a significant contribution to the traditions of the town by maintaining the Guildhall and Joseph Hardy House, which houses the Heritage Centre and dates from the 14th century.

The remains of the Market Cross occupy the site where the one-time Market Hall and stock stood. It is 15th century and of exceptional interest. However, it has decayed and its important features fallen away. Originally the head of the cross was four-sided with recessed niches under cinquefoil-headed canopies and depicted virgin and child, the Rood, the Trinity and St. Peter with his key. It would have stood some 23' to 30' tall.

There has been considerable research on the Market Cross and many in the town would like to see it restored and take its place as a major landmark in the town.

 

The Lord's Waste

A major characteristic of the town is the Lord's Waste, although little is known about its influence, function or history. Along the length of the High Street the demarcation between the Lord's Waste (which originally was cobbled - some of which remain to this day) and the public footpath is easily identified. Whilst Warwickshire County Council, as highway authority, take responsibility for maintenance of the public right of way, it will not assume any authority for the area known as the Lord's Waste. As ownership, and therefore legal responsibility for its maintenance is unclear, popular opinion has decreed that current ownership be vested in the property owner as a frontage, but subject to the right of the public to have access over it. Any future planning consents should take account of the need to maintain the landmark as an historic feature of the town.

Features

The town's primary focal point is the central area that includes the Market Cross, St. John the Baptist Church, the Guildhall and library, and most of the local shops. The second focus for the town is the Henley Market, situated to the south of the town, which provides a facility for commerce and trading at all levels including Livestock, and Farmers' Markets.

The River Lands

This encompasses both the River Alne that flows south on the east of the town, and the surrounding open green space. The grassed area serves the town as a much appreciated open area for relaxation and children's play.

Adjacent to the Medical Centre is the remains of a large pond that enables wildlife, such as newts and frogs, to prosper. Although the river walk is short it accommodates a variety of tree species, for example: Alders and Crack Willows as well as many seasonal wildflowers such as Himalayan Balsam, Willow Herb and the rarer Giant Bellflower. The river is also home to Trout, Minnows and Sticklebacks and the occasional Kingfisher, and recently has seen the return of nesting Mallards and Moorhens. There is further access to the riverside on the footpath leaving St Nicholas's churchyard heading north, skirting The Mount, across the field to run alongside the River Alne at the rear of the northern half of the busy High Street. This is a beautiful and peaceful riverside walk with fascinating views of the rear of the High street properties.

Flooding

Work on the River Alne in 1982 reduced the risk of flooding from the river bursting its banks. However the in crease of frequency of flooding of the houses on the East side of the High Street from excess run-off water running down the street into Back Lane has become a concern. The frequency of flooding is due to inadequacies in surface and land drainage at the North of the town