The evident ancient importance, ecclesiastically, of Goring is due to the existence of an Augustinian convent here, from the time of Henry the Second; but its secular importance was of far remoter date, for this was the place where that immemorial British track, the Icknield Way, crossed the Thames, on its course from Icklingham, the capital of the Iceni, out of Suffolk and through Essex, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, to climb the Berkshire downs, and so continuing into the West of England. The Romans found Goring as useful a strategic point as did those early British peoples; and must, if the evidences of coins, and foundations of buildings, and mosaic pavements discovered here are worth anything, have made it almost as favourite a residence in the more settled years of their occupation of Britain as it is in our own era. Streatley, on the Berkshire bank, in its name, the “street meadow,” alludes to the passing through it of this ancient street, or road.
There are a few unimportant brasses and other memorials to the Whistler and other families in Goring church. Among these is a Latin inscription to “Helinor and Margaret Whistler,” which is rendered into English thus:
“This Helinor Whistler, a pious, beautiful, and modest virgin, lies with her sister Margaret in the tomb. These, whom love and one spirit united, are enshrined together in bronze by their only brother. She was wont to weep ever, seldom to smile; for a season, vows, prayers, and tears were her meat and drink. She seemed to outlive her two sisters in actual existence, yet to them it was as if she were dead, though living; and after they were ashes she, fed by the fear of God, did not touch bread and drink for seven years. The vows and prayers of the poor of Goring and the neighbourhood and the muse of Oxford forbid her to die; and, being dead, she still lives.”
Fortunately for the gaiety of nations, we may say with conviction that this remarkable person is exceptional.
Goring was the scene of a sad happening in 1674, by which “about” sixty persons were drowned. This is related in a scarce pamphlet of the time, called
Sad and Deplorable News
from
OXford-sheir & BArk-sheir
being a lamentable and true
RELATION
of the drowning of about sixty persons, Men, Women, and Children, in the lock near Goring in Oxfordsheir as they were passing by water from Goring-Feast to Stately in Barksheir.
Readers, this story is both strange and true,
And for your good presented unto you.