Henley, June 2024

The Orwell Society continued its explorations of the Thames-side life of Eric Blair (the young George Orwell) over the weekend of June 22nd and 23rd 2024. In the summer of 2023 we explored Shiplake, where he encountered the Buddicom family. In 2024 our guide Justin Bowles used his expertise to lead members about Henley-on-Thames on another fascinating journey.

Our photograph (by David Mitchell of Scarthin Books of Cromford) shows Deputy Mayor Tom Buckley (Left), Dr. Michael Redley of Oxford University and Henley Archeological and History Group (Centre Left), OS Patron Richard Blair, and OS Chair Quentin Kopp (Right).

Dr Redley is holding an Orwell Plaque, bearing a piece of slate from the roof of Barnhill, the house on the island of Jura where George Orwell wrote much of Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Orwell’s memories of Henley and Shiplake before the First World War were inspirations for his novel Coming Up For Air.

Our thanks to everyone who made this another excellent Orwell Society event.