Witney (From Oxford Mail)

Witney

2:39pm Tuesday 2nd September 2008

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This former blanket-making town is an attractive place to visit, and one still in touch with its roots. The water of the River Windrush is reputed to be the secret of the blankets’ legendary quality.

Now the river adds to the attractiveness of this busy market town. Witney has increased greatly in size over recent years, but, along with other parts of West Oxfordshire, still has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

Church Green to the south leads to the 12th-century remains of the country palace of the Bishop of Winchester.

This is testimony to the town’s importance from Saxon times to the restoration. Dominating Church Green is the mainly 13th-century parish church of St Mary, with its handsome central tower and spire.

The name ‘Witney’ is thought to mean “Witta’s Island”. The Wittan was the council of Saxon kings which met in the area.

The look of the town is enhanced by the fact that so many properties are Grade II listed, and the new-build properties blend in well with the Cotswold stone of older houses.

The market square, which lies at the junction of the two main streets, contains the Buttercross, a medieval marketing and meeting place where women from neighbouring villages gathered to sell butter and eggs.

PLACES TO GO

Cogges Manor Farm Museum: A working Victorian farm. You can see real animals and farm implements. Open 10.30am to 5.30pm from Tuesday to Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays; noon to 5.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Closed Mondays. Early closing at 4pm in December. Free parking. Call 01993 772602.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Post Office: Market Square.

Windrush Leisure Centre: Council run sports centre on Witan Way. 25-metre pool, learners’ pool, four-court sports hall, aerobics studio, squash courts and gym. For information, call 01993 202020 or see the website: www.wll.co.uk

Witney Town Council: The Town Hall, Market Square, 01993 704379.

Witney Tourist Information Centre: 51a Market Square, 01993 775802.

Newspapers: The Witney Gazette, every Wednesday, 35p, Oxford Mail, daily, 35p. The Oxford Times, every Friday, 80p. Website: www.witneygazette.co.uk

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