1793: View of Marlow from Quarry Woods -

Great Marlow 1793 Boydell
Great Marlow. June 1, 1793.
J. Farington R.A. delt. J.C.Stadler sculpt.(Published) by J. & J. Boydell, Shakespeare Gally. Pall Mall & (No. 90) Cheapside London.

1793: View of Marlow from Quarry Woods -

View of Marlow 1793 Boydell
Court Garden, and Great Marlow. June 1, 1793.
J. Farington R.A. delt. J.C. Stadler sculpt. (Published) by J. & J. Boydell, Shakespeare Gally. Pall Mall & (No. 90) Cheapside London)

1900s: I bet Quarry Woods residents wish it still looked like this, but the A404 and its bridge are now right across this view -

View of Marlow
View of Marlow from Quarry Woods, 1900s
© Buckinghamshire County Council, may be used for any non profit legal purpose.

1901: In "The Thames Illustrated" John Leland describes the setting of Marlow and Quarry Woods, prior to the building of the raised A404 and its bridge which have totally changed the scene.
I am not against good roads - and this one has brought benefits to Marlow - not least that it has relieved traffic over the suspension bridge, which might otherwise have had to be replaced. However what a price to pay! -

The broad, basin-like reach of the river at Great Marlow, breaking into foam as the water pours over the weir, the airy long lines of the long and graceful bridge, the picturesque tower and spire of the church - to which distance lends enchantment - and the woods that embower it, are dear to all oarsmen and anglers who frequent the Thames.
A very remarkable series of beautiful pictures is presented by the surroundings of Marlow.
The varied banks and woods, that familiar old hostelry "The Complete Angler", the timber bridge spanning the mill stream, and the old mill standing by the lock, with many other features that neighbour them, all conduce to charming picturesque effects.
The long line of the Quarry Woods forms a superb background, as we look across from the weir over the eddying water that sweeps between.
Whether the trees be budding in the Spring, or are rich in the full leafage of June, or turning to the reds and yellows of the Autumn, the dense masses of foliage which clothe the steep form an extremely beautiful setting for the broad waters of the Thames.
Alike, whether they glow in the sunshine,or turn to shadowy purple as the evening falls, they are full of charm, and sometimes, in days of storm, the hill assumes a weird and impressive character, when seen across the water and the grey belts of reeds.
The banks on both sides are full of primroses, hyacinths, and forget-me-nots, and it is delightful to walk at twilight along the banks, or to linger listlessly upon the stream when the moon rises over the darkening hills.