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{{Infobox county
{{Infobox county
|name=Oxfordshire
|name=Oxfordshire
|map image=OxfordshireBrit5.PNG
|map image=Oxfordshire Brit Isles Sect 5.svg
|picture=Radcliffe Camera (2005).jpg
|picture=Radcliffe Camera (2005).jpg
|picture caption=Radcliffe Camera, Oxford
|picture caption=Radcliffe Camera, Oxford
Line 7: Line 7:
|county town=[[Oxford]]
|county town=[[Oxford]]
}}
}}
The '''County of Oxford''' (abbreviated '''Oxon.''' from Oxonia, the Latin name for Oxford) is a [[Counties of the United Kingdom|shire]] bound by the River [[Thames]] to the South, the [[Chiltern Hills]], stretching across the East, and the [[Cotswolds]] to the West and North.  
The '''County of Oxford''' is a [[Counties of the United Kingdom|shire]] bound by the River [[Thames]] to the south, the [[Chiltern Hills]], stretching across the east, and the [[Cotswolds]] to the west and north. Oxfordshire is abbreviated to '''Oxon.''' from Oxonia, the Latin name for Oxford.


The county has a major tourist industry, concentrated firstly on the City of Oxford but also on the hills and charming honey-coloured towns of the Cotswolds, and on Oxfordshire's many delightful Thames-side towns and villages.
The county has a major tourist industry, concentrated firstly on the City of Oxford but also on the hills and charming honey-coloured towns of the Cotswolds, and on Oxfordshire's many delightful Thames-side towns and villages.
Line 13: Line 13:
Oxford and Banbury are noted for the concentration of performance motorsport companies and facilities. Oxford University Press is the largest firm among a concentration of print and publishing firms; the University of Oxford is also linked to the concentration of local biotechnology companies
Oxford and Banbury are noted for the concentration of performance motorsport companies and facilities. Oxford University Press is the largest firm among a concentration of print and publishing firms; the University of Oxford is also linked to the concentration of local biotechnology companies


==Hundreds==
==Geography==
Oxfordshire divided into fourteen hundreds:
Oxfordshire borders five other counties: [[Berkshire]] to the south; [[Gloucestershire]] to the west; [[Warwickshire]] to the north-west; [[Northamptonshire]] to the north-east; and [[Buckinghamshire]] to the east. Additionally, two detached parts of [[Worcestershire]] (Evenlode and Daylesford) adjoin Oxfordshire on its western border.
{|
|
*Bampton
*Banbury
*Binfield
*Bloxham
*Bullingdon
|
*Chadlington
*Dorchester
*Ewelme
*Langtree
*Lewknor
|
*Pyrton
*Ploughley
*Thame
*Wootton
|}


==History==
The county has four detached parts, three of which lie locally in Buckinghamshire: the ancient parish of [[Lillingstone Lovell]], the hamlet of Boycott in the parish of Stowe and the hamlet of Ackhampstead in the parish of Lewknor. Additionally a detached part of the ancient parish of Broughton Poggs is cut off from the rest of Oxfordshire by the intervention of a detached part of Berkshire.
Oxfordshire was formed as a county in the early years of the 10th century and is broadly situated in the land between the [[River Thames]] to the south, the [[Cotswolds]] to the west, the [[Chilterns]] to the east and the Midlands to the north, with spurs running south to [[Henley-on-Thames]] and north to [[Banbury]].


Historically the area has always had some importance, since it contains valuable agricultural land in the centre of the county. Ignored by the Romans, it was not until the formation of a settlement at Oxford in the eighth century that the area grew in importance. From the Anglo-Saxon period, Oxford (''Oxnaford'') became a major trading and fortress town of the realm, commanding a key crossing on the Thames.  The shire around it prospered.
===Hundreds===
[[File:Oxfordshire Hundreds blank.svg|thumb|250px|The Hundreds of Oxfordshire]]
Oxfordshire is divided into fourteen hundreds: ({{kmloutline|OxfordshireHundredsA}})
{{div col|3}}
*[[Bampton Hundred, Oxfordshire|Bampton]]
*[[Banbury Hundred|Banbury]]
*[[Binfield Hundred|Binfield]]
*[[Bloxham Hundred|Bloxham]]
*[[Bullingdon Hundred|Bullingdon]]
*[[Chadlington Hundred|Chadlington]]
*[[Dorchester Hundred|Dorchester]]
*[[Ewelme Hundred|Ewelme]]
*[[Langtree Hundred|Langtree]]
*[[Lewknor Hundred|Lewknor]]
*[[Pyrton Hundred|Pyrton]]
*[[Ploughley Hundred|Ploughley]]
*[[Thame Hundred|Thame]]
*[[Wootton Hundred|Wootton]]
{{div col end}}


The [[University of Oxford]] was founded in 1096, though its collegiate structure did not develop until later on. The university and the town grew in importance during the Middle Ages and early modern period.
===Towns and villages===
[[File:Oxford High Street shoppers.JPG.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Oxford High Street]]
[[File:Winter Sunshine , Burford High Street - geograph.org.uk - 1659535.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Burford]]


The northern and western hills of the county were part of the [[Cotswolds]] wool trade from the 13th century, generating much wealth, while the east of the county prospered from its river links to London and the south.
The largest town in the county is the City of Oxford, presiding over the north bank of the Thames. It is followed (in order of size) by [[Banbury]], [[Witney]], [[Carterton]], [[Bicester]], [[Thame]], [[Henley-on-Thames]], [[Chipping Norton]], [[Charlbury]], [[Woodstock]], [[Watlington, Oxfordshire|Watlington]], [[Deddington]] and [[Burford]].
 
Morris Motors was founded in Oxford in 1912, bringing heavy industry to an otherwise agricultural county. The importance of agriculture as an employer has declined rapidly in the 20th century though; currently under one percent of the county's population are involved due to high mechanisation.
 
==Buildings==
*The "dreaming spires" of the buildings of the [[University of Oxford]] play a large contribution in Oxford being the sixth most visited city in the United Kingdom for international visitors<ref>http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decC/Economic_statistics_occw.htm Oxford City Council - Economic statistics</ref>. Notable University buildings include the Sheldonian Theatre, built 1664-1668 to the design of Sir Christopher Wren, and the Radcliffe Camera, built 1737-1749 to the design of James Gibbs.
*Blenheim Palace close to [[Woodstock, Oxfordshire|Woodstock]] was built by the great architect John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, after he had won the battle of Blenheim. The gardens, which can be visited, were designed by the landscape gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who planted the trees in the battle formation of the victorious troops. In the palace, which can also be visited by the public, Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874.
*Chastleton House, on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire borders, is a great country mansion that was built on property bought from Robert Catesby, who was one of the men involved in the Gunpowder Plot with Guy Fawkes. Stonor Park, another country mansion, has belonged to the recusant Stonor family for centuries.
*Mapledurham House in [[Mapledurham]] (opposite Purley on Thames) is an Elizabethan stately home in the far south-east of the county.
 
==Towns and villages==
[[File:Oxford High Street shoppers.JPG.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Oxford High Street]]
[[File:Winter Sunshine , Burford High Street - geograph.org.uk - 1659535.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Burford]]
 
The largest town in the county is the City of Oxford, presiding over the north bank of the Thames. It is followed (in order of size) by [[Banbury]], [[Witney]], [[Carterton]], [[Bicester]], [[Thame]], [[Henley-on-Thames]], [[Chipping Norton]], [[Charlbury]], [[Woodstock]], [[Watlington]], [[Deddington]], [[Burford]].


*City:
*City:
**[[Oxford]]
**[[Oxford]] ''([[county town]], partly in [[Berkshire]])''


*Sizable towns and villages:
*Sizable towns and villages:
**[[Banbury]]
**[[Banbury]] ''(partly in [[Northamptonshire]])''
**[[Bicester]]
**[[Bicester]]
**[[Burford]]
**[[Burford]]
Line 75: Line 61:
**[[Woodstock]]
**[[Woodstock]]


==Geography==
Additionally, part of [[Reading]], otherwise in [[Berkshire]], extends into Oxfordshire.
 
===Rivers===
===Rivers===
[[Thames]]/Isis, Thame, Cherwell, Windrush, Evenlode, Glyme.
[[Thames]]/Isis, [[River Thame|Thame]], [[River Cherwell|Cherwell]], [[River Windrush|Windrush]], [[River Evenlode|Evenlode]], [[River Glyme|Glyme]].


===Prominent natural features===
===Prominent natural features===
[[Chiltern Hills]], [[Cotswolds|Cotswold Hills]], Ot Moor.
[[Chiltern Hills]], [[Cotswolds|Cotswold Hills]], Ot Moor.
==History==
Oxfordshire was formed as a county in the early years of the 10th century and is broadly situated in the land between the [[River Thames]] to the south, the [[Cotswolds]] to the west, the [[Chilterns]] to the east and the Midlands to the north, with spurs running south to [[Henley-on-Thames]] and north to [[Banbury]].
Historically the area has always had some importance, since it contains valuable agricultural land in the centre of the county. Ignored by the Romans, it was not until the formation of a settlement at Oxford in the eighth century that the area grew in importance. From the Anglo-Saxon period, Oxford (''Oxnaford'') became a major trading and fortress town of the realm, commanding a key crossing on the Thames.  The shire around it prospered.
The [[University of Oxford]] was founded in 1096, though its collegiate structure did not develop until later on. The university and the town grew in importance during the Middle Ages and early modern period.
The northern and western hills of the county were part of the [[Cotswolds]] wool trade from the 13th century, generating much wealth, while the east of the county prospered from its river links to London and the south.
Morris Motors was founded in Oxford in 1912, bringing heavy industry to an otherwise agricultural county. The importance of agriculture as an employer has declined rapidly in the 20th century though; currently under one percent of the county's population are involved due to high mechanisation.
==Buildings==
*The "dreaming spires" of the buildings of the [[University of Oxford]] play a large contribution in Oxford being the sixth most visited city in the United Kingdom for international visitors.<ref>http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decC/Economic_statistics_occw.htm Oxford City Council - Economic statistics</ref> Notable University buildings include the Sheldonian Theatre, built 1664-1668 to the design of Sir Christopher Wren, and the Radcliffe Camera, built 1737-1749 to the design of James Gibbs.
*Blenheim Palace close to [[Woodstock, Oxfordshire|Woodstock]] was built by the great architect John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, after he had won the battle of Blenheim. The gardens, which can be visited, were designed by the landscape gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who planted the trees in the battle formation of the victorious troops. In the palace, which can also be visited by the public, Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874.
*Chastleton House, on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire borders, is a great country mansion that was built on property bought from Robert Catesby, who was one of the men involved in the Gunpowder Plot with Guy Fawkes. Stonor Park, another country mansion, has belonged to the recusant Stonor family for centuries.
*Mapledurham House in [[Mapledurham]] (opposite Purley on Thames) is an Elizabethan stately home in the far south-east of the county.


==Main industries==
==Main industries==
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{{UKPlacesKey|E}}
{{UKPlacesKey|E}}


[[File:Blenheim Palace 2006 cropped.jpg|right|thumb|220px|Blenheim Palace]]
[[File:Blenheim Palace 2006 cropped.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Blenheim Palace]]
===Museums===
===Museums===
*{{i-Museum}} Banbury Museum, [[Banbury]] [http://www.cherwell.gov.uk/banburymuseum]
*{{i-Museum}} Banbury Museum, [[Banbury]] [http://www.cherwell.gov.uk/banburymuseum]
*{{i-Museum}} Charlbury Museum, [[Charlbury]] [http://www.charlbury.info/cgi-bin/dcommunity.cgi?page=42]
*{{i-Museum}} Charlbury Museum, [[Charlbury]] [http://www.charlbury.info/cgi-bin/dcommunity.cgi?page=42]
*{{i-Museum}}Chipping Norton Museum, [[Chipping Norton]] [http://www.chippingnorton.net/Visitors/museum.htm]
*{{i-Museum}} Chipping Norton Museum, [[Chipping Norton]] [http://www.chippingnorton.net/Visitors/museum.htm]
*{{i-Museum}}Cogges Manor Farm Museum, [[Long Hanborough]] [http://www.cogges.org/]
*{{i-Museum}} Cogges Manor Farm Museum, [[Long Hanborough]] [http://www.cogges.org/]
*{{i-Museum}}Coombe Mill Museum, [[Coombe, Oxfordshire|Coombe]] [http://www.combemill.org/]
*{{i-Museum}} [http://www.combemill.org Combe Mill Museum], [[Coobe, Oxfordshire|Combe]]
*{{i-Museum}}Museum of Bygones, [[Claydon, Oxfordshire|Claydon]] [http://www.aboutbritain.com/BygonesMuseum.htm]
*{{i-Museum}} Museum of Bygones, [[Claydon, Oxfordshire|Claydon]] [http://www.aboutbritain.com/BygonesMuseum.htm]
*{{i-Museum}}Oxford Bus Museum, [[Long Hanborough]] [http://www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk/]
*{{i-Museum}} Oxford Bus Museum, [[Long Hanborough]] [http://www.oxfordbusmuseum.org.uk/]
*{{i-Museum}}Oxfordshire Museum, [[Woodstock]] [http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/portal/publicsite/councilservices?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=http://apps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Council+Services/Leisure+and+culture/Museums/The+Oxfordshire+Museum/]
*{{i-Museum}} Oxfordshire Museum, [[Woodstock]] [http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/portal/publicsite/councilservices?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=http://apps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Internet/Council+Services/Leisure+and+culture/Museums/The+Oxfordshire+Museum/]
*{{i-Museum}}River & Rowing Museum, [[Henley on Thames|Henley]] [http://www.rrm.co.uk/]
*{{i-Museum}} River & Rowing Museum, [[Henley on Thames|Henley]] [http://www.rrm.co.uk/]
*{{i-Museum}}Thame Museum, [[Thame]] [http://www.localauthoritypublishing.co.uk/councils/thame/museum.html]
*{{i-Museum}} Thame Museum, [[Thame]] [http://www.localauthoritypublishing.co.uk/councils/thame/museum.html]
*{{i-Museum}}Tolsey Museum, [[Burford]] [http://www.cotswoldswebsite.com/tolsey-museum-burford.htm]
*{{i-Museum}} Tolsey Museum, [[Burford]] [http://www.cotswoldswebsite.com/tolsey-museum-burford.htm]
*{{i-Museum}}University Museums, [[Oxford]]: [http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/museums_and_collections/]
*{{i-Museum}} University Museums, [[Oxford]]: [http://www.ox.ac.uk/about_the_university/museums_and_collections/]
**[http://www.ashmolean.org/ Ashmolean Museum]
**[http://www.ashmolean.org/ Ashmolean Museum]
**[http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ Oxford Museum of Natural History]
**[http://www.oum.ox.ac.uk/ Oxford Museum of Natural History]
Line 108: Line 112:


===Heritage sites===
===Heritage sites===
*{{i-NTE}}{{i-House}} Chastleton House [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chastleton]
*{{i-NTE}}{{i-House}} [[Chastleton House]]
*{{i-NTE}}{{i-House}} Greys Court [http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-greyscourt]
*{{i-NTE}}{{i-House}} [[Greys Court]]
*{{i-EH}}Minster Lovell Hall [http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15001]
*{{i-EH}} [[Minster Lovell Hall]]
*{{i-EH}}Rollright Stones [http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15040]
*{{i-EH}} [[Rollright Stones]]
*{{i-EH}}Rycote Chapel [http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.15053]
*{{i-EH}} [[Rycote|Rycote Chapel]]


*{{i-House}} Blenheim Palace [http://www.blenheimpalace.com/]
*{{i-House}} [[Blenheim Palace]]
*{{i-House}}Broughton Castle [http://www.broughtoncastle.com/]
* [http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/ The Botanic Garden], Oxford
*{{i-House}}Harcourt Arboretum [http://www.botanic-garden.ox.ac.uk/]
*{{i-House}} [[Broughton Castle]]
*{{i-House}}Heythrop Park [http://www.heythroppark.co.uk/]
*{{i-House}} [[Heythrop Park]]
*{{i-House}}Kelmscot Manor [http://www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk/]
*{{i-House}} [[Kelmscott Manor]]
*{{i-House}}Mapledurham House [http://www.mapledurham.co.uk/index.php]
*{{i-House}} [[Mapledurham House]]
*{{i-House}}Rousham House [http://www.rousham.org/]
*{{i-House}} [[Rousham House]]
*{{i-House}}Stanton Harcourt House [http://www.britinfo.net/T/1013447.htm]
*{{i-House}} [[Stanton Harcourt#Harcourt Manor|Harcourt Manor]]
*{{i-House}}Stonor House [http://www.stonor.com/]
*{{i-House}} [[Stonor House]]


===Battlefields===
===Battlefields===
*{{i-Battle}}Radcot Bridge, 1387 ({{getmap|SU284995}})
*{{i-Battle}} Radcot Bridge, 1387 ({{map|SU284995}})
*{{i-Battle}}Chalgrove Field, 1643 ({{getmap|SU645978}})
*{{i-Battle}} Chalgrove Field, 1643 ({{map|SU645978}})
*{{i-Battle}}Cropredy Bridge, 1644 ({{getmap|SP477460}})
*{{i-Battle}} Cropredy Bridge, 1644 ({{map|SP477460}})


===Noteworthy churches===
===Noteworthy churches===
Line 139: Line 143:


===Other===
===Other===
*{{i-Zoo}}Cotswold Wildlife Park [http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk/]
*{{i-Zoo}} [http://www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk Cotswold Wildlife Park]
*{{i-Railway}}Chinnor & Princes Risbourough Railway, [[Chinnor]] [http://www.chinnorrailway.co.uk/]
*{{i-Railway}} [[Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway]], [[Chinnor]]
*Cotswolds AONB [http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/]
*Cotswolds AONB [http://www.cotswoldsaonb.org.uk/]
*[[Hook Norton]] Brewery [http://www.hooknortonbrewery.co.uk/]
*[[Hook Norton]] Brewery [http://www.hooknortonbrewery.co.uk/]
*Oxford Canal (part of) [http://www.waterscape.com/canals-and-rivers/oxford-canal]
*[[Oxford Canal]] (part of)
*{{i-Castle}}Oxford Castle [http://www.oxfordcastleunlocked.com/]
*{{i-Castle}} [[Oxford Castle]]
*[[Swalcliffe]] Tithe Barn [http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/portal/publicsite/councilservices?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=http://apps.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wps/wcm/connect/Internet%2FCouncil+services%2FLeisure+and+culture%2FMuseums%2FLC+-+M+-+swalcliffe+barn]
*[[Swalcliffe]] Tithe Barn
*Wheatley Windmill [http://www.wheatleymill.co.uk/]
*[[Wheatley Windmill]]


==See also==
==See also==
Line 159: Line 163:
==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*Cannan, J. (1975) ''Oxfordshire'' Robert Hale Limited, London  
*Cannan, J. (1975) ''Oxfordshire'' Robert Hale Limited, London  
*Carleton Williams, E. (1935) ''Companion into Oxfordshire'' Methuen &amp; Co. Limited, London
*Carleton Williams, E. (1935) ''Companion into Oxfordshire'' Methuen & Co. Limited, London
*Gelling, M. (1953) ''Place Names of Oxfordshire'' Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
*Gelling, M. (1953) ''Place Names of Oxfordshire'' Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
*Marriott, P. (1977) ''Oxford Street Names Explained''
*Marriott, P. (1977) ''Oxford Street Names Explained''

Latest revision as of 14:16, 26 September 2024

Oxfordshire
United Kingdom

Radcliffe Camera, Oxford
Flag of Oxfordshire
Flag
Sapere Aude
(Dare to be wise)
Oxfordshire
[Interactive map]
Area: 756 square miles
Population: 512,345
County town: Oxford
County flower: Fritillary [1]

The County of Oxford is a shire bound by the River Thames to the south, the Chiltern Hills, stretching across the east, and the Cotswolds to the west and north. Oxfordshire is abbreviated to Oxon. from Oxonia, the Latin name for Oxford.

The county has a major tourist industry, concentrated firstly on the City of Oxford but also on the hills and charming honey-coloured towns of the Cotswolds, and on Oxfordshire's many delightful Thames-side towns and villages.

Oxford and Banbury are noted for the concentration of performance motorsport companies and facilities. Oxford University Press is the largest firm among a concentration of print and publishing firms; the University of Oxford is also linked to the concentration of local biotechnology companies

Geography

Oxfordshire borders five other counties: Berkshire to the south; Gloucestershire to the west; Warwickshire to the north-west; Northamptonshire to the north-east; and Buckinghamshire to the east. Additionally, two detached parts of Worcestershire (Evenlode and Daylesford) adjoin Oxfordshire on its western border.

The county has four detached parts, three of which lie locally in Buckinghamshire: the ancient parish of Lillingstone Lovell, the hamlet of Boycott in the parish of Stowe and the hamlet of Ackhampstead in the parish of Lewknor. Additionally a detached part of the ancient parish of Broughton Poggs is cut off from the rest of Oxfordshire by the intervention of a detached part of Berkshire.

Hundreds

The Hundreds of Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire is divided into fourteen hundreds: (map)

Towns and villages

Oxford High Street
Burford

The largest town in the county is the City of Oxford, presiding over the north bank of the Thames. It is followed (in order of size) by Banbury, Witney, Carterton, Bicester, Thame, Henley-on-Thames, Chipping Norton, Charlbury, Woodstock, Watlington, Deddington and Burford.

Additionally, part of Reading, otherwise in Berkshire, extends into Oxfordshire.

Rivers

Thames/Isis, Thame, Cherwell, Windrush, Evenlode, Glyme.

Prominent natural features

Chiltern Hills, Cotswold Hills, Ot Moor.

History

Oxfordshire was formed as a county in the early years of the 10th century and is broadly situated in the land between the River Thames to the south, the Cotswolds to the west, the Chilterns to the east and the Midlands to the north, with spurs running south to Henley-on-Thames and north to Banbury.

Historically the area has always had some importance, since it contains valuable agricultural land in the centre of the county. Ignored by the Romans, it was not until the formation of a settlement at Oxford in the eighth century that the area grew in importance. From the Anglo-Saxon period, Oxford (Oxnaford) became a major trading and fortress town of the realm, commanding a key crossing on the Thames. The shire around it prospered.

The University of Oxford was founded in 1096, though its collegiate structure did not develop until later on. The university and the town grew in importance during the Middle Ages and early modern period.

The northern and western hills of the county were part of the Cotswolds wool trade from the 13th century, generating much wealth, while the east of the county prospered from its river links to London and the south.

Morris Motors was founded in Oxford in 1912, bringing heavy industry to an otherwise agricultural county. The importance of agriculture as an employer has declined rapidly in the 20th century though; currently under one percent of the county's population are involved due to high mechanisation.

Buildings

  • The "dreaming spires" of the buildings of the University of Oxford play a large contribution in Oxford being the sixth most visited city in the United Kingdom for international visitors.[1] Notable University buildings include the Sheldonian Theatre, built 1664-1668 to the design of Sir Christopher Wren, and the Radcliffe Camera, built 1737-1749 to the design of James Gibbs.
  • Blenheim Palace close to Woodstock was built by the great architect John Vanbrugh for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, after he had won the battle of Blenheim. The gardens, which can be visited, were designed by the landscape gardener Lancelot "Capability" Brown, who planted the trees in the battle formation of the victorious troops. In the palace, which can also be visited by the public, Sir Winston Churchill was born in 1874.
  • Chastleton House, on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire borders, is a great country mansion that was built on property bought from Robert Catesby, who was one of the men involved in the Gunpowder Plot with Guy Fawkes. Stonor Park, another country mansion, has belonged to the recusant Stonor family for centuries.
  • Mapledurham House in Mapledurham (opposite Purley on Thames) is an Elizabethan stately home in the far south-east of the county.

Main industries

Education, Farming, Tourism, Automotives, Distribution, Light Manufacturing.

Places to see

Key
Cathedral/Abbey/Priory Cathedral/Abbey/Priory
Accessible open space Accessible open space
Amusement/Theme Park Amusement/Theme Park
Castle Castle
Country Park Country Park
English Heritage English Heritage
Forestry Commission Forestry Commission
Heritage railway Heritage railway
Historic house Historic House
Museum (free)
Museum (not free)		 Museum (free/not free)
National Trust National Trust
Zoo Zoo
Blenheim Palace

Museums

Heritage sites

Battlefields

Noteworthy churches

  • Dorchester Abbey, Dorchester on Thames (sometime cathedral church of Mercia and Wessex) [13]
  • Cathedral Church of Christ (Christ Church), Oxford [14]
  • St John the Baptist, Burford (outstanding wool church) [15]
  • St Katherine's, Chiselhampton (unusual peculiar of Dorchester) [16]
  • St Mary's, Bloxham (highest spire in the county) [17]
  • St Michaels at the Northgate, Oxford (its Anglo-Saxon tower is the oldest building in Oxford)
  • St Mary's, Iffley (unspoilt Norman architecture) [18]

Other

See also

Flag of Oxfordshire

Outside links

References

  1. ↑ http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decC/Economic_statistics_occw.htm Oxford City Council - Economic statistics

Further reading

  • Cannan, J. (1975) Oxfordshire Robert Hale Limited, London
  • Carleton Williams, E. (1935) Companion into Oxfordshire Methuen & Co. Limited, London
  • Gelling, M. (1953) Place Names of Oxfordshire Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
  • Marriott, P. (1977) Oxford Street Names Explained
  • Millson, C. (1983) Tales of Old Oxfordshire Countryside Books, Newbury
  • Pevsner, N. (& Sherwood, J.) (1974/2002) The Buildings of England: Oxfordshire Yale University Press, London
  • Yurdan, M. (2002) Unexplained Oxford and Oxfordshire The Book Castle, Dunstable
Counties of the United Kingdom

Aberdeen • Anglesey • Angus • Antrim • Argyll • Armagh • Ayr • Banff • Bedford • Berks • Berwick • Brecknock • Buckingham • Bute • Caernarfon • Caithness • Cambridge • Cardigan • Carmarthen • Chester • Clackmannan • Cornwall • Cromarty • Cumberland • Denbigh • Derby • Devon • Dorset • Down • Dumfries • Dunbarton • Durham • East Lothian • Essex • Fermanagh • Fife • Flint • Glamorgan • Gloucester • Hants • Hereford • Hertford • Huntingdon • Inverness • Kent • Kincardine • Kinross • Kirkcudbright • Lanark • Lancaster • Leicester • Lincoln • Londonderry • Merioneth • Middlesex • Midlothian • Monmouth • Montgomery • Moray • Nairn • Norfolk • Northampton • Northumberland • Nottingham • Orkney • Oxford • Peebles • Pembroke • Perth • Radnor • Renfrew • Ross • Roxburgh • Rutland • Selkirk • Shetland • Salop • Somerset • Stafford • Stirling • Suffolk • Surrey • Sussex • Sutherland • Tyrone • Warwick • West Lothian • Westmorland • Wigtown • Wilts • Worcester • York

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