“HURLEY – Herlei (xi cent.); Harleyghe, Herleya, Hurle, Hertley, Hurleg, Hurlye (xiii cent.)”
The village of Hurley is located on the south bank of the River Thames between Marlow and Henley. It is mentioned in the Saxon Chronicles, and before the Reformation was home to a Benedictine priory located near to the river. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin at the end of the High Street is part of the original Priory Church, and The Olde Bell Inn, originally the monks’ guesthouse, is one of the oldest hostelries in Britain dating from the twelfth century. The village is totally within the Civil Parish of Hurley.
The Village Hall on the High Street was rebuilt in the 1980s after a fire destroyed the original building. It is owned by the Hurley Village Association and is used by many of the thriving local clubs and societies. Local businesses include a general stores, several pubs and restaurants, a large caravan site and Peter Freebody’s historic boatyard on the River Thames. The annual Regatta held on the River Thames is a popular and largely local event.
Hurley has a local bus service and recreation facilities include a playing field, children’s playground, cricket pitch and tennis court. Hurley weir provides a challenging test for canoeists and hosts an annual canoe rodeo.