Developer unveils historic reminder of Warwickshire market town’s heritage

A permanent reminder of Henley-in-Arden’s heritage as an important centre of trade has been put on display for the benefit of the people of the town by Taylor Wimpey.

The leading housebuilder has installed an ancient stone trough in an area of public open space at its recently completed Farriers Cross development.

Thought to be more than 200 years old, the trough was originally situated half a mile from its current location on the road leading from Henley to Redditch, before it was moved to the town’s cattle market 70 to 80 years ago. There it was used to water cows, sheep and horses up until the market was closed in 2011 to make way for the construction of Farriers Cross.

Now the trough takes pride of place in a landscaped area in the appropriately-named Market Way, where it has been planted with flowers by Taylor Wimpey, to the delight of Beaudesert and Henley-in-Arden Joint Parish Council.

Jenny Walsh, Parish Clerk, says: “The parish council contacted Taylor Wimpey when the cattle market site was being cleared to ask if the trough could be preserved, and we are delighted with its new lease of life.

“While it’s known as a horse trough, there’s a cup chained to it, which indicates it would have also been intended for people to drink from – so if livestock also used it, the water may have been a little bit disgusting!”

Jenny adds: “We’ve enjoyed a strong working relationship with Taylor Wimpey and really appreciate how the company has conducted itself ever since it began developing Farriers Cross.

“Taylor Wimpey has always liaised closely with the parish council and taken on board the views of local people and responded in a positive way.”

The trough was officially unveiled at a ceremony attended by parish council chairman Cllr Roger Hubbocks, Henley-in-Arden High Bailiff Fred Dowling, Taylor Wimpey Land Director Andrew Taylor and Farriers Cross Site Manager Brendan Sullivan.

Anne Wallace, Regional Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey, says: “When we were approached by the parish council to preserve the trough we were only too happy to help.

“We pride ourselves on the way we work with local communities where we are building our new homes developments, and we are particularly pleased with the close working relationship we’ve enjoyed with the parish council in Henley.”

The trough is a fitting reminder of Henley’s proud status as a charter market town. It was first granted a charter to hold a market by the Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry the First, in 1140, before Henry VI granted a second charter in 1449.

Since the cattle market’s closure the parish council has been working hard to bring a retail market to the town, and has been buoyed by the success of recent one-off French, Italian and Mediterranean markets.

Jenny adds: “Henley has always been known for its market and people from the town and also those from outside the area are keen to see one return. We are liaising with the local authorities to consider using the high street for a market in the future, and hopefully we’ll be successful.”

Further information about Taylor Wimpey developments across the Midlands is available by visiting taylorwimpey.co.uk/midlands.