OUT AND ABOUT

There are many fine buildings to visit in Streatley, including the Parish Church of St Mary (shown left). Its origins are Saxon and Norman, although the present building dates from the thirteenth century when it was built by Bishop Poore, who was also responsible for Salisbury Cathedral.

The Morrell brewing family once owned much of the village, and their house and other property can be seen near the church. In the grounds of Place Manor is a fine, ancient dovecote from which birds were hired out to local sportsmen for shooting parties, a practice happily long discontinued. Across the bridge is Goring, divided from Streatley by the Thames.

Another link with The Bull is that when mail arrived by coach at the inn, a white flag was raised if there were letters for Goring, and a black flag if none; thus saving the Goring postman an unnecessary river crossing.

Only two miles from Streatley on the road to Reading lies the entrance to Basildon Park, a classical Eighteenth Century property in a beautiful setting overlooking the Thames Valley, now administered by The National Trust.