An anchoress, a princess and a bit of Bloomsbury

Pretty Sonning village has an ancient history featuring many well-known historical figures. Our walk will highlight both artistic and historical stories connected with the village, with a focus on the colourful figures that lived there. 

Type of Walk
Guided tour - learning something new / more talking and less walking    

More detail
Sonning was the site of a Bishop's Palace and the church reflects this important connection with Salisbury Cathedral. Lutyens built a grand house there and other artistic figures connected with the village include Terrence Rattigan, Vita Sackville-West and Holman Hunt. The village also has connections with a celebrated spy story, a famous highwayman and many more. 

Sonning village was described by Jerome K Jerome, the author of Three Men in a Boat as ""the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river"". Almost 140 years later, its half-timbered cottages and historic church and pub still charm visitors. There's a fascinating history behind many of the pretty facades that takes in the imprisonment of a former Queen of England, Napoleon's naval commander at the Battle of Trafalgar, Dick Turpin, Dwight Eisenhower's plans for D-Day and much, much more. 

We will begin with coffee in the waterwheel bar of the Mill at Sonning where we will hear about its connection with the Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory in Reading. Meet in the car park of the Mill where free parking is provided. Older children are welcome if the themes will interest them.

Walk length / difficulty / accessibility
5 km / 3 miles / 2.5 hours / easy / not wheelchair accessible

Ticket price
£3

About the walk leader
David Woodward has lived in the village for over 50 years and is an experienced guide. He is a graphic designer with a passion for local history. He has designed a history of the river at Caversham, of the parish of Eye & Dunsden and of Henley Golf Club. He taught design part-time at Reading University for over 20 years and has given talks and guided walks for the Art Society and Phyllis Court Club.             

Getting there
Mill at Sonning - 128 bus from stop EO in Blagrave Street to Sonning, High Street
W3W https://what3words.com/noticing.monk.gurgling