A little while ago we published a post containing some of the less flattering reviews and descriptions that visitors and residents of old Marlow have left. This post will make happier reading for proud Marlovians!
The River
"Between Marlow and Henley the constant succession of scenes of Sylvan beauty strikes the gazer dumb with enthralled imagination" - Belgravia Magazine vol 14 (Alfred Rimmer, 1881)
"The view from the bridge, both up and down the river is one of the most beautiful on the Thames" - John Merrylees, Patterson's Guide to the United Kingdom (William Patterson, 1885)
The Weir (Ware)
"In breadth, comeliness and situation...amongst the best to be found on the Thames" The Art Journal - vol 45 (Virtue and Co, 1883)
The Town In General
"From it's situation, it is capable of becoming a very neat country town" -
The History And Antiquities Of The Hundred Of Desborough - Thomas Langley, (Faulkner & B&J Clark. 1797)
"It looks like a place purposefully made to whisper a tale of love into a fair ladies ear - a spot to loose your heart in and be grateful for the loss"
- Turner and Griffin's Picturesque Views of English, Scottish, And Welsh Scenery - Thomas Miller (Frank Bentley 1873)
"A right bonny place" - Bells Life In London, 1879
"..a Paradise on Earth ...invites all who seek a haven of Peace and Rest." - Marlow Official Guide, 1931/2.
General Situation
"The vicinity of Marlow presents scenery beautiful, picturesque and rich" - Isaac Slater, Slater's Royal, National and Commercial Directory, 1852
"The situation of the town is pleasant and picturesque and the scenery along the Thames here is very agreeable" - The Imperial Cyclopaedia Vol 2 (Society For The Dissemination Of Useful Knowledge, 1850).
"The surrounding scenery is replete with variety and beauty" - Samuel Lewis, The Topographical Dictionary (S Lewis & Co, 1833)
"For sweet rustic beauty, few places surpass Marlow. Hence it is the resort of the poet, the artist and the literary man who come to imbibe aspiration from the scenery" - Robert Hayes Smith in 1885 speech to the Volunteer Fire Brigade annual dinner.
Little Marlow
"A charming rustic village with a pretty church". George Dunlop Leslie. (Bradbury, Agnew and co, 1881)
Part 2 is here
©Marlow Ancestors.