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Marlow is a town that has numbered several famous authors among its inhabitants, including T.S. Eliot, Mary Shelley of Frankenstein fame, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. The town is found on the Thames River in Buckinghamshire. It is only four miles to the north west of Maidenhead. With around fourteen thousand people, it offers a surprising variety of activities and attractions to entertain visitors to the town.
History
Marlow existed in Anglo Saxon England times. Its name translates to the land that remained after the draining of the pool. The Domesday Book calls it Merlaue in 1086. The village was the focal point of the manor of Marlow. After William the Conqueror took it from the Earls of Mercia, he gave it to his Queen Matilda. It passed through a number of different hands over the centuries. Today the manor is held by a descendent of the last nobleman to purchase it, Sir William Clayton, who bought it in 1736.
The town of Marlow has been significant for centuries. As it lay along the Thames River, it sat on the important trade route to London. The town has claimed a member of Parliament going back to 1299. It gained its own market charter from the crown by 1324 or even earlier, though the charter has disappeared over the centuries.
Architecture
Marlow has some interesting land marks and architecture. It has always contained a bridge since the time of King Edward III. Today's bridge is a suspension bridge that was built in 1832. Visitors come to see this bridge that William Tierney Clark designed, as it actually served as the prototype for the bridge that spans the Danube River in Budapest, the Szechenyi Chain Bridge.
Visitors can also see the mansion that once hosted a section of the Royal Military College in Marlow. This 1700's built mansion held the college's junior section during the years 1801 to 1812. On the weather vane is an interesting depiction of a man firing a cannon.
Activities and Attractions
Outdoors sports are a big attraction in Marlow. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a regatta that is held here every year. The Marlow International Regatta was hosted here until it moved to Dorney Lake in 2003. The Marlow Town Regatta, still hosted here, has roots that go back to as far as 1855. This is held every June.
The Marlow Rowing Club can be seen here as well. This rowing club was established in Marlow in 1871. As among Britain's most exclusive rowing clubs, it counts a great number of champion Olympic oarsmen among its membership. Located by the Marlow Bridge, the club trains below the historic lock in the town that goes back to the 1300's. Olympic champions produced here include the 2008 Beijing Olympics' gold medal winner Zac Purchase, as well as the famous past champion Sir Steve Redgrave.
The town has several other sports clubs. These include the tennis club, the hockey club, and the cricket club. Teams can all be seen to compete and practice here.
Shopping
For those who love the classic feel of small town markets, Marlow has an answer. This is their small market that they hold on Saturday and Wednesday mornings. A variety of goods and produce can be purchased by visitors here.
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