Conservation group hopes to install new speaker’s plaque

A BLUE plaque could be mounted on a listed building in Hart Street to recognise an English politician from the Civil War period.

The 18-inch plate will be installed by the Henley Society on the outside wall of Penny & Sinclair estate agents in Hart Street. The building is believed to be the birthplace of William Lenthall, who was a speaker in the House of Commons during the Long Parliament from 1640 to 1660.

He is best remembered for his defiance of King Charles’ demands in 1642, which established the independence of parliament.

Geoff Luckett, chairman of the Henley Society, said: “We have been asked by one of members to think about putting a plaque on that wall because there was one many years ago, a square wooden one, which disappeared.

“It is alleged — no one can prove for absolute certain — that he was born in that house but we know he was christened in the church.

“It’s the sort of thing we like to do. We also have a blue plaque on the Catherine Wheel, so this will be the second one in Hart Street.

“When the time comes, once we get planning permission, we will get someone notable to unveil it.”
Henley Town Council’s planning commitee recommended the plans are approved at its meeting on Tuesday last week. Councillor Gill Dodds said: “I think there used to be a sign and I never quite knew where it had gone and there has been a campaign to do exactly this.”

Mayor Rory Hunt added: “It’s a very good thing to celebrate our local history.”

South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, will make a final decision by April 18. Meanwhile, a new sign could be installed at the entrance to Gillotts School in Henley. The 2m high double-sided aluminium and steel sign will have a white powder coated finish and self-adhesive vinyl graphics on both sides It would be installed adjacent to Gillotts Lane and will be laminated on both sides with a clear anti-graffiti film.

As the school is transferring to the River Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust, the school felt an updated sign would be appropriate. The council’s planning committee also recommended that the sign is approved. However, Cllr Thomas, said: “I am a bit concerned about the height of this one because, as you’re pulling out of the [neighbouring] leisure centre, [the vision splay] is going to be obscured.”

Cllr Dodds replied: “You would come out of there and you would have a clear view. You can see to the right of that sign quite clearly where you want to go. I don’t see the problem.” The district council will make a final decision by April 18