Marlow is an ancient Thames crossing point, a position symbolised by its elegant suspension bridge. Timber, wheat and malt were the main cargoes sent down river to London in the days when Marlow merchants built up contacts with trading houses in the capital, apprenticed their sons to London tradesmen, and forged commercial links. Though never a busy market town, it had a market day and two annual fairs. Due to wheat and barley growing, the local maltsters prospered and Wethered’s brewery become the largest employer in the town.