Five miles north of Oxford, Kidlington’s skyline is dominated by the 800-year-old St Mary’s Church’s spire, known as Our Lady’s Needle.
With a population of 17,500, it is England’s second largest village, and lies between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal, with good road and bus links to Oxford and the A34 and M40.
Its many historic buildings include Lady Ann Morton’s Almshouse, Grove House, Manor Farm House, the Old Rectory and a medieval circular dovecote first mentioned in 1290. Burnt Oak, a 17th century former farmhouse, is said to have held French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars.
Today, Kidlington has a modern shopping centre, with supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and library. A market is held on Friday and Saturday.
It is also home to the headquarters of Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Blenheim Palace: Woodstock. On passing through the triumphal arch at the Woodstock entrance to Blenheim Palace, it is clear to see why Lord Randolph Churchill proclaimed: “This is the finest view in England.”
The towers of the palace appear some way off to the left, while far away to the right the Column of Victory, topped with its statue of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, rises nobly above the trees.
But what takes the eye and holds it is the great lake and its island of poplars, with Sir John Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge and Capability Brown’s hanging beech woods beyond.
The palace was built on Queen Anne’s orders for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704; a victory that saved Europe from French domination.
The palace hosts many major events, including proms concerts and the world-famous Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials three-day event.
For information about Blenheim Palace, opening times, events and admission prices, call 01993 811091, or visit the website: www.blenheimpalace.com
USEFUL INFORMATION
Kidlington Parish Council: Exeter Hall, Oxford Road. Call 01865 372143 or visit the website: www.kidlington-pc.gov.uk
Information Centre: Exeter Hall. 01865 378479 or visit the website: www.kidlingtoninformation.org.uk
Post offices: 25 Oxford Road and 16 The Parade.
Kidlington and Gosford Sports Centre: Oxford Road, call 01865 376368, or visit www.leisurecentre.com
Newspapers: Oxford Mail, daily, 40p, The Oxford Times, every Thursday, 80p. Websites: www.theoxfordtimes.co.uk / www.oxfordmail.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article