Chipping Norton - Map and history

   Rollright Stones 2-5 miles north of Chipping Norton. Prehistoric stones and circle.

  • Site of Motte and bailey castle on the hill with St Mary the Virgin Church next to it. The nave has one of the finest 15th century interiors in the county outside Oxford. Castle built by Emulf de Hesdin in 11thC.
  • Highest town in Oxfordshire.
  • Market every Wednesday, and Farmers market every third Saturday in month.
  • Mop fair in September.
  • In 1796 William and James Hitchman founded a Brewery. Brewing ceased in 1933.
  • Glove making factory MessrsB.Bowen and Son-.
  • Tannery near the Parish Church.Iron foundry- The Hub Ironworks made road signs.
  • Ladies holding banner - In may 1873 rioting took place following the conviction of the Ascott Martrys. They were 16 women who were imprisoned for founding a branch of the National Union of Agricultural Workers. Queen Victoria pardoned them after an appeal.
  • Bliss Tweed Mill- Builtin 1872. The original burnt down and used to make horse blankets and tilt covers. This mill was designed by architect George Woodhouse for William Bliss, and was intended to be the finest mill in England. Its now luxury apartments.. 
  • The Golf club is the oldest in Oxfordshire.
  • Chipping Norton FC are known as 'the magpies'.
  • The British Schools building in New Street was a recording studio for Gerry Rafferty, baker Street, In the army now, Status Quo and Bye,bye baby the Bay city Rollers.
  • The Chipping Norton set- Group of media, political and show business personalities including David Cameron. Many of them were victims of phone hacking by the News of the World.
  • Stars on corners- Geoffrey Burbidge (925-2010) an Astronomy professor who wrote 'Quasi-steller objects'.
  • Tight rope walker on Rope Street, where rope was made, Shes carrying an old road sign.
  • Swedish Flag- Princess Magretha, sister of the King of Sweden lives nearby.
  • Chumley's Chocolate- Film called 'Consuming Passions' by Michael Palin.
  • Cow kicking bucket over- 1725 Thomas Crutch was seen in court because he had been milking his cows in public...'very offensive to the inhabitants'
  • Oats- Oats health shop.
  • Asprin on compass- Edward Stone a vicar from chipping Norton gave the first scientific description of the effects of willow bark in 1763.
  • Chipping Norton baseball club, 1920. Formed by Frederick John Lewis-known as the father of British baseball.
  • Grey head-6th C head in museum.
  • San in pond- detail from a painting by Conroy Maddox (1912-2005). A surrealist painter who with his family ran the Blue boar.
  • Rabbit in yellow jumper- Josephine rabbits voice in the 2018 film adaptation of Peter Rabbit was Rachel Ward,born in Cornwell manor. Cornwell Manor also featured in the film 'The Holiday' starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black and Jude Law 2006.
  • The Blue Boar was the emblem of the De Vere family who owned a third of the manor.
  • Key- Town Gaol used to be near middle row.
  • Memorial on Rockhill Road.
  • Beer Bottle - Bobby beer Co.
  • Dove-In 2011 hundreds of twitchers arrived wanting to see a rare oriental dove.
  • 136- Squadron air Cadets. Used to be an air base south-East of the town.
  • Keith Moon once owned The Crown and Cushion.