Welcome to Henley-in-Arden Heritage Centre
The title of Lord of the Manor of Henley-in-Arden has changed hands over the centuries by inheritance, by sale and by bequest.
Joseph Alexander Hardy of Pennsylvania, founder of the Heritage Centre, acquired the title in 1990.
Our Founder
Joseph Alexander Hardy, an American lumber billionaire with a passion for education bought the title of Lord of the Manor of Henley-in-Arden at a London auction in 1990.
He subsequently became a great benefactor of the town, creating the Joseph Hardy Charitable Educational Trust which set up and runs the Heritage Centre. In 1994 Joe Hardy passed the title to his daughter Robin Hardy Freed who remained Lord of the Manor until 2017.
The Centre opened to the public in 1997. Throughout the ages the body responsible for representing the Lord of the Manor in town matters is the Court Leet, which survives and maintains many of the town’s ancient traditions.
Henley-in-Arden Court Leet
Find out more about Henley-in-Arden Court Leet and their work within the community.
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa
The Pennsylvania resort owned by Joseph Hardy, Lord of the Manor of Henley in Arden 1990-94.