This photograph taken in 1911 shows the whitewashed walls and the thatched roof of the Barley Mow at Clifton Hampden. Constructed in the 14th.Century using the traditional "cruck" method, it harbours a wonderful old inglenook fireplace and is one of the oldest pubs on the River Thames.

Parker's notes from 1911 described it thus :- "Its high overhanging roof is thatched, and its walls are half timbered. The casements admit just enough light to heighten the interior effect. The brick floored kitchen, or may be a parlour, is delightfully snug, and the walls are darkly panelled all round. This Hotel has been enlarged to meet modern requirements but the additional part is not shown as it spoils the effect."

On this old map, the Barley Mow lies just to the north of Dorchester. The map shows the Clifton Hampden bridge which was built in 1867. Earlier maps show that it was the site of an ancient ferry crossing, and where there was a ford or ferry, a pub was not usually far away.

Another clue to its past can be found in the Taunt guide for 1873, which featured an advertisement for the Barley Mow Inn.

"M. Almond, Proprietress. A rural and retired house, situated on a fine reach of the Thames, with good accommodation for fishing, boating and tea parties. Good beds, fine ales, bottled beer and stout, etc."

Barley Mow, Clifton Hampden
Clifton Hampden, Oxfordshire
tel: 01865 407847