The Centre
Located in the main High Street of this historic market town, the Heritage Centre is a museum of the town’s history from the Norman Conquest to the present day.
The Museum & Heritage Centre at Henley-in-Arden, near Stratford-upon-Avon, England is a unique facility made possible by the generosity of a former Lord of the Manor of Henley-in-Arden, Joseph Alexander Hardy of Pennsylvania and inaugurated by his daughter, Robin Hardy Freed, in November 1996.
Please take a look round our site. We look forward to welcoming you on a visit to the Centre very soon.
This Week in History
18th December 1859
Harry Hawkes was born on 18th December 1859. Despite originally wanting to be an auctioneer, he carried on his father's business as a butcher at 116 High Street. He had a great interest in horses and served in the Warwickshire Yeomanry for 12 years. Through the years he was High Bailiff, a J.P., a bell-ringer, a member of the School Managers Board, Hospital Committee, Charities Committee, Fire Brigade and Horse Show Committee. In 1949 he was given the 'freedom' of Henley by becoming an Honorary Burgess. He died in the same house on the High Street that he lived his entire life on 14th June 1952 aged 92.
(Harry Hawkes (far right), The original White Swan Bowling Green in 1891)
See More Weeks In History
Thursday 31 July 2025
The Heritage Centre will be part of the National scheme: Heritage Open Days 2025
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
The Heritage Open Days event runs from Friday 12th until Sunday 21st September. The centre will be open normal opening hours but will be open longer on Saturday 13th September: 12 - 4pm. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/henley-in-arden-museum-heritage-centre.html
The Memorial Hall are also taking part in the Heritage Open Days scheme on Saturday 13th September 10 - 4. https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/submission-event/henley-in-arden-memorial-hall-2025.html
We will reopen 31st March 2026.
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