History
Since Celtic times the village of Goring has marked a major crossing point of the River Thames. It was occupied in turn by the Romans, Saxons and Normans and is recorded in the Domesday Book as is the hamlet of Gatehampton which lies within the Parish a mile down stream. Parts of Goring's church are Norman. The village changed little from medieval times until the mid 17th century. Over the next 200 years Goring started to grow slowly and in 1837 the river ferry was replaced by a toll bridge. Three years later Brunel's Great Western Railway reached Goring. The advent of the railway and links to big cities brought about significant development. Large houses were built in their own spacious grounds, while cottages were built for railway workers and the domestic staff of the bigger houses.
Arriving from Berksire over the river, the visitor sees the Norman tower of St Thomas's Church across the mill pond
The legacy of this period is paramount to Goring's identity today. Some of the largest houses made way for post-1950 developments, but the expanse of the original sites, the trees that were planted and the network of private drives and roads have survived to provide a matrix to absorb late 20th century houses, many of them dating from the 1960s. The result is an attractive riverside community combining traditional and contemporary design in a richly landscaped and well established green environment.
Social and economic change
Over the years Goring has responded to change and what we now have is the result of a period of progress and development. To be viable, a village has to strike a balance between its traditions and the demands of modern life. Goring appeals to active retired people who seek rural charm combined with community services on the doorstep. It is also a popular place to live for commuters. Communication by rail is excellent in all directions, especially to London, Reading and Oxford. Heathrow is within an hour by road.
The significant building expansion of the 1960s brought an influx of new residents. However, a survey in 1991 showed that only a quarter of those in employment worked in Goring itself. The subsequent growth of local and home-based businesses, often allied to high-technology industries in the M4 corridor nearby, has boosted the economics of the village. The marked growth of the UK leisure industry also presents opportunities for Goring if it can welcome and provide facilities for the increasing number of visitors expected.