Latest volume of historical encyclopaedia showcases Chipping Norton
A major new encyclopaedic volume revealing the history of Chipping Norton, and the surrounding areas, was unveiled in an event at the Hook Norton Brewery on 25 October.
Covering the medieval market town of Chipping Norton along with Hook Norton, Over Norton, the Rollrights, Salford, and Swerford, it is the 21st volume produced by the Victoria County History of Oxfordshire (VCH), in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council.
VCH is a nationally organised local history project that aspires to create detailed histories for every town and village in the county.
Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community & Corporate Services, said: “From the Cotswolds, Cherwell Valley and Chilterns to the City of Oxford, Oxfordshire is a stunning county with so much history. Victoria County History Oxfordshire allows us to document some of this colourful history.
“After the launch of the 20th volume two years ago, focusing on the South Oxfordshire Chilterns, I am pleased to see the launch of this latest edition on the fascinating history of Chipping Norton.
“This new book draws on four years of intensive work by the small team, working in part with local groups and combining archival research with investigation of buildings and landscape. It will certainly be both a valuable resource, and an interesting read.”
Some of the highlights of this volume include the prehistoric Rollright Stones; the abandoned motte-and-bailey castle at Swerford; deserted medieval settlements; and Chipping Norton itself. Chipping Norton was laid out above a pre-existing Norman castle and church in the mid 12th century and was later famous as the home of Bliss's tweed mill.
The book will be initially made available through public libraries and to buy.
The existing published volumes are available in Oxford’s Westgate Library, various branch libraries and Oxfordshire History Centre. They can be purchased at boydellandbrewer.com, and most can be accessed online on British History’s website.
Hook Norton Brewery hosted the launch as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations and has produced a special limited edition VCH bottle label to mark the occasion.
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