Hidden Henley

WARGRAVE high street has seen more than its fair share of changes.

There used to be a supermarket, chemist, post office, newsagents, greengrocers, hairdressers and several pubs.

The old meat hooks above the entrance of one building show that it was once a butcher’s shop.

Today’s businesses include a café, beauty centre, art gallery, garage and restaurants, all helping to keep the street “alive” in these difficult times for independent retailers.

Now some long-forgotten business sign-writing has been revealed as can be seen in my picture.



The words include “coal”, “coke” (fuel) and “cartage contractors”, meaning the service of carrying things by cart, often to dispose of them.