Oxfordshire

County Signpost Annual Publication

Contents
#AMBRIDGESHIRE
The Ultimate County Guide

Welcome to the 2010, launch edition of

Oxfordshire County Signpost Tourist Guide,
Historic Buildings your indispensable guide to the best tourist
attractions and days out the county has to offer.

We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure to

read, both interesting and informative, and that
you will take it away with you, to use again and
again.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions and

Attractions events within the County, for both locals and
those who wish to visit from afar.

To be featured in our next edition -

please email the editor.

For a free download please visit

Museums & Arts our new map-driven,
online magazine website
www.countysignpost.co.uk

Published by: County Signpost Ltd

Editor: Adam Davison

Marketing Manager : Peter Fernandez

Issue 1 - 2010
All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware, cor- Please mention
rect at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd does not Derbyshire Signpost
accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies which when visiting any of
the attractions.
Historic Houses | Attractions | Museums & Arts
slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd 2010.
No part of this magazine may be used or
reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.
County Signpost Ltd
Towns & Districts | Open Air
www.countysignpost.co.uk
01743 874098
info@countysignpost.co.uk

Signpost - page 1
 County Signpost
The National Trust
Stowe Landscape Gardens:
Discover the Unexpected
If you travel just a short way out of Oxfordshire
there are some truly impressive National Trust
properties to be discovered. One of the most
spectacular, situated three miles outside of the
historic town of Buckingham is Stowe
Landscape Gardens. The scale, grandeur and
beauty of Stowe has inspired writers, philoso-
phers, artists, politicians and members of the
public from the eighteenth century to the pres-
ent day. The Temple family, owners of Stowe
were one of the pioneers of the ‘landscape gar-
den’, a style that flourished during the eighteenth
century, replacing the formal and structured lay-
out of garden design. Today, situated among the
250 acre landscape, nestled in valleys, along
Signpost - page 3
pathways or lining lakes are over forty temples
and monuments, each built as a representation
of the Duke of Buckingham’s personal and
political beliefs. From the impressive and impos-
ing Temple of Concord and Victory to the intri-
cate Pebble Alcove, to the Palladian Bridge, one
of only four in the world, each temple has its
own story to tell and it is unlikely that one visit
will be enough to take it all in.
For the visitor that wants to discover more about
the history behind the temples and the family
that built them, guided tours will provide a
wealth of information, free of charge.
Make sure that a trip to Stowe includes a stop in
the tea-room; for a quick snack or a hearty meal,
the fresh produce is bound to satisfy every
appetite. No visit to a National Trust property is
complete without a browse round the gift shop,
Picnic at Palladian Bridge, copyright NTPL
www.countysignpost.co.uk
whether buying a gift for a loved one or a treat
for yourself the shop at Stowe has a vast selec-
tion. From plants, to books, to souvenirs of
Stowe there is something for everyone.
Stowe is a garden for all seasons; aconites, blue-
bells and fritillary, to name only a few, are push-
ing their way to the surface as Stowe springs into
the new season. The surrounding deer park plays
host to new born lambs while the lakes in the
gardens welcome ducklings taking their first
swim.
As Summer approaches there is perhaps no bet-
ter place to enjoy a picnic than Stowe. There are
many different and equally magical spots - from
the tranquillity of the lake next to the Temple of
Venus to the stunning views across from the
Palladian Bridge.
Throughout Autumn, as the leaves turn rich
shades of gold and reds, the landscape changes
on a daily basis and is a riot of colour. As the
leaves begin to fall it is the perfect place for a
brisk walk, followed by a warming treat from the
tea room.
As the colder days take hold, Stowe becomes a
true Winter Wonderland. Marvel at magnificent
Oxford Bridge, copyright NTPL
views across the frosty landscape and as the
snow falls the gardens are transformed, with
temples and monuments taking on an other-
worldy appearance.
With a full programme of events throughout
2010, including Theatre performances, children’s
activities and an 18th century day there really is
something for everyone to enjoy time and time
again.
The gardens, shop and tea-room are open from
March 6 2010 – November 7
Weds – Sun between 10.30am – 5.30pm (tea-
room stops serving food at 5pm)
From November 2010 – March 2011 the gar-
dens will be open weekends only 10.30am –
4pm.
For further information about times, events and
admission prices please call 01280 822850 or
visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stowegardens.
Admission for National Trust members to
Stowe is free. To benefit from free entry into all
National Trust properties why not join today?
Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more infor-
mation
 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

Stonor
Set in a hidden fold of the Chilterns, four miles
from Henley, Stonor has been the home of the
Stonor family for 850 years and a centre of
Catholicism throughout.
The house appears as an E-shaped Tudor manor
house behind a warm red brick façade with
Georgian windows. Behind the Georgian exteri-
or is a much older collection of buildings, which
have never been completely rebuilt, including a
hall dating back to medieval times and now used
as the Tea Room. The 17th century library has a
magnificent vaulted ceiling. The main public
rooms, restored in the 18th and early 19th cen-
turies from a 14th century hall contain fine fur-
niture, bronzes, silhouettes, Italian pictures and
drawings and a growing collection of contempo-
rary ceramics.

Also open to view is the roof space and priest
hole occupied by St. Edmund Campion, Jesuit
and martyr, and his companions in the 1580’s. It
was here that he supervised the printing of his
book Decem Rationes (The Ten Reasons for
Being a Catholic).
The Chapel, the most ancient of the Stonor
buildings, is dedicated to the Blessed Trinity, and
remains open today, as it has for more than 850
years, for the celebration of Mass. The Chapel
was built on the site of a pagan place of worship
and adopted by Christianity in the late 13th or
early 14th Century. The brick tower was added
in 1416-1417 built by Flemish brickmakers who
had settled in the Chilterns. The bricks (200,000
in total) were made by Michael Warwick of
Crocker End, Nettlebed and is one of the earli-
est post Roman uses of brick in Southern
England.

The walled garden rises up behind the ancient

house; the garden is divided between the original
pleasure garden directly behind the house with
17th century terraces and two ponds and the old
kitchen garden replanted in the 1980s with won-
derful herbaceous borders. With the recent
warm weather, the irises are now blooming and
as summer progresses old fashioned roses,

Signpost - page 5 Signpost - page 6

 County Signpost
peonies and lavenders will flower on the seven-
teenth century terraces in June, flanked by Telephone 01491 638587
ancient yew trees and clipped box hedges by the www.stonor.com
lily ponds. Climbing the terrace stages one finds
a long mixed border, ending with a Japanese gar-
den house built by the 5th Lord Camoys after his
visit to Kyoto in 1906. The jasmine and rose
bower offers spectacular views of the house and
deer park.
John Steane said in his book 'Oxfordshire': –
“If I had to suggest to a visitor who had only
one day to sample the beauties of Oxfordshire,
I would suggest a visit to Stonor and a walk
through its delectable park.”
Signpost - page 7
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Sulgrave Manor
Sulgrave Manor, once home to the ancestors of Open all year for pre-booked Groups except
George Washington, is a superb example of a Christmas/New Year.
small manor house from the time of
Shakespeare with a charming eighteenth century Sulgrave, near Banbury OX17 2SD
wing.
Telephone 01295 760205
Tours through three hundred years of history www.sulgravemanor.org.uk
are led by friendly and informative guides who
will introduce visitors to what many consider to
be a gem amongst historic houses. Set in a his-
torical garden, the Manor is surrounded by stun-
ning countryside. For younger visitors there are
trails and challenges and a Children’s Tour on
Saturdays.
Open: April-October Weekends from 12 noon.
May-October Tues-Thurs from 2pm (August
only from noon).Last entry 4pm. Also Family
Holiday Mondays including US Holidays:
Presidents’ Day and Labor Day; extended open-
ing during School Half Terms; Easter,
Independence Day, Apple Weekend, Christmas.
Signpost - page 8
 English Heritage North Leigh Roman Villa
www.countysignpost.co.uk

The main courtyard villa building complex

measures about 65 by 50 metres and it has three
The villa was excavated in 1813-16 and again in ranges of more than 60 rooms built on three
1910-11 and finds suggest that there were three sides of a courtyard. The fourth side is formed
phases of construction. by a corridor in which the gateway was set.

The villa began as a winged-corridor building in
the late second century AD. It was developed
and extended to form a courtyard villa and dur-
ing the early third century AD some of the
buildings on the north western and south west-
ern ranges were rebuilt and extended.
Coin evidence, including a coin of Arcadius
(AD 383-408), indicates that the villa was occu-
pied up until the end of the 4th or beginning of
the 5th century AD.
There were further ranges of buildings to the
south west of the main complex, either side of a
metalled driveway which led away from the gate-
way on the south eastern side of the courtyard.
Aerial photography has also indicated the pres-
ence of workshops and other buildings extend-
ing over a large area on the west bank of the
River Evenlode.
The villa would have been quite luxurious as it
included four bath suites and a large number of
rooms containing plain tessellated or mosaic
floors and under floor hypocaust heating.

Minster Lovell Hall - copyright English Heritage

Minster Lovell Hall &

Dovecote
Minster Lovell Hall was built circa 1431-42 by
William, 7th Lord Lovell. He was one of
Richard III's chief courtiers, being Chamberlain
of the Household and Chief Butler of England.
It is reputed that he did not die at the battle of
Stoke (1487) but fled to Minster Lovell where a
skeleton was discovered in 1708 on opening an
underground vault.
In circa 1747 the house was dismantled by
Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester. The ruins were
used as farm buildings until restored by the
Ministry of Works during the 1930s.
The house was built round three sides of a
courtyard; the fourth side faced the river and was
enclosed by a buttressed wall. In the central
block on the north were the great hall, chapel,
and solar, with a large two-storey building
adjoining it to the west. Running south from this
were five rooms with a tower at the southwest
corner. In the east wing were the kitchens, bake-
house and stables. The principal remains are the
hall and rooms in the north wing. With the
exception of the tower, only the foundations
survive of the east and west ranges.

Signpost - page 9 Signpost - page 10

 County Signpost
Rollright Stones
A stone circle, portal dolmen, standing stone,
round cairn and a ditched round barrow which
form the core of the megalithic sites known col-
lectively as the 'Rollright Stones', situated 900
metres north east of Little Rollright on the
Oxfordshire - Warwickshire border.
The monument was one of the 29 monuments
protected in the original Schedule for the 1882
Ancient Monuments Protection Act, and was
taken into state care in 1883.
Signpost - page 11
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Waylands Smithy Phase two was a long, low trapezoidal barrow
mound (circa 55 metres by 14 metres) with
A two-phase Neolithic tomb near the north sarsen kerb, following the northsouth alignment
scarp of the downs, above the Vale of White of phase 1 and completely concealing the origi-
Horse. Still extant as a (partly restored) earth and nal barrow. At the southern end was a facade of
stone structure, the tomb has been excavated on large sarsens, from which ran a short passage to
two occasions, the first in 1919-20. a roofed sarsen chamber. Human remains were
recovered from this area in the 1919-20 excava-
More extensive and better recorded excavations tions. There is some evidence for deliberate
were undertaken in 1962-3 with the dual pur- blocking of the chamber, perhaps during the
pose of gaining a better understanding of the later Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. Later activ-
monument and restoring it. These excavations ity in and around the tomb is attested by Late
showed that the tomb was a two-phase monu- Bronze Age metalwork, plus Iron Age and
ment. Roman pottery. Field ditches and lynchets, prob-
ably of Iron Age or Roman date, are part of a
The first phase comprised a small oval earthen more extensive field system which may have
barrow with flanking ditches, an earthen and used the tomb as a marker..
sarsen mound and a kerb. It contained a mortu-
ary structure consisting of large pits, paving, and
linear cairns of sarsens. This structure has been
interpreted as either a pitched and ridged mortu-
ary structure, or an embanked box-like structure,
possibly with a flat wooden roof. The remains of
at least 14 human skeletons were present within
this structure. A radiocarbon date from charcoal
recovered from silting which occured between
the first and second phases yielded a date of
3700-3390 BC .
View of 'The Kings Men' stone circle. (c)
English Heritage Photo Library
Traditionally a monarch and his courtiers petri-
fied by a witch, the Rollright Stones consist of
three groups: the King's Men stone circle; the
Whispering Knights burial chamber; and the sin-
gle King Stone. They span nearly 2,000 years of
Neolithic and Bronze Age development.
View of 'The Kings Men' stone circle. (c)
English Heritage Photo Library Signpost - page 12
 Blenheim Palace
www.countysignpost.co.uk

HISTORY
Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke of
Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston
Churchill. Conceived in 1705 by Sir John
Vanbrugh, this unique Palace is a masterpiece of
English Baroque architecture, 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. In his design for
Blenheim Palace, Vanbrugh’s aim was to house a
national hero and to celebrate England’s newly
won supremacy over the French in a blaze of The Secret Garden
architectural glory to rival Versailles. Its function, THE GARDENS
therefore, was to be a monument, castle, citadel
and private house – in that order. The splendour The gardens at Blenheim Palace are all-encom-
and tranquillity of the 2,100 acres of landscaped passing, and from the Secret Garden, the Italian
parkland and the Formal Gardens are unrivalled Garden, the Water Terraces, the Pleasure
anywhere in Britain. The Palace interiors careful- Gardens (which include the Marlborough Maze),
ly balance the delicate with the awe-inspiring, the Rose Garden, and the Arboretum, there is
from the imposing vastness of the Great Hall, to beauty to be found in all seasons. Sometimes,
the intricate detailing of the State Rooms.
The Garden of the
when a new house is built, the design of the
setting for such an illustrious country house” says Blenheim Palace was created a World Heritage grounds is left until later, but not at Blenheim

Year Award
Charles Cator, Deputy Chairman, Christie’s site in 1987. Palace. Vanbrugh reported that “the Garden
International. Wall was set agoing the same day with the
13th February 2010 in the Long Library at House”. Beautifully restored, renovated and
“The Association is delighted to be celebrating 25 years maintained by twelve permanent garden staff,
Blenheim Palace
of the Garden of the Year Award which has so success- led by Trevor Wood and his wife Hilary, who has
fully drawn attention to the many beautiful gardens worked at Blenheim Palace for over 25 years, the
The magnificent gardens of the famous
owned by members of the HHA and open to the public. gardens are totally awe-inspiring in their appar-
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire have won the
It is very fitting that we are presenting the Award this ently effortless style and splendour.
2008 Garden of the Year award sponsored by
year to His Grace the Duke of Marlborough at
the Historic Houses Association and Christie’s.
Blenheim Palace. His Grace’s exemplary care and devel-
This prestigious national award, celebrating its
opment of these magnificent gardens has been a lifetime
twenty fifth anniversary this year, is designed to
devotion,” said Edward Harley, President of the
The Secret Garden
recognise the importance of gardens with out-
Historic Houses Association
standing horticultural and public appeal, either Marking the events of over three centuries of
in their own right or as the setting for an historic history, the gardens at Blenheim Palace must
“We are extremely honoured to receive this prestigious
house. adorn over a million memories. In 2004, whilst
award in recognition of the Formal Gardens here at
Blenheim Palace. This award recognises the vision and planning a suitable project to mark the tercente-
“Christie’s is pleased to sponsor the Garden of the Year nary of the Battle of Blenheim, His Grace, the
enthusiasm of my illustrious ancestors as well as celebrat-
Award in association with the Historic Houses 11th Duke of Marlborough, was reminded of
ing the excellent work undertaken here today by the gar-
Association and is thrilled that in this, our 25th anniver- his grandfather’s remark: “there is no building in
dens team. We look forward to welcoming visitors to see
sary, the prestigious award has been given to such a well- Europe, except Versailles, which so perfectly
the gardens this year and we hope that everyone enjoys
deserved winner as Blenheim Palace. The vast park and preserves its original atmosphere”. This led to
their visit to this important World Heritage site” said
gardens of Blenheim Palace are immaculately kept with the decision to bring his father’s Private Garden
The Duke of Marlborough.
attention to every detail, and could not be a more fitting

Blenheim Palace Western Front & Water Terraces Signpost - page 14

Signpost - page 13
 County Signpost
back to life, preserving the original layout but
introducing new features, to be enjoyed by
everyone.
Created four years after the house was opened to
the public in 1950, this haven was designed as a
romantic English garden. It had become com-
pletely overgrown and almost forgotten when its
restoration was undertaken. Trevor Wood, the
head gardener, replanted it and established new
paths and water features in record time for the
official opening in May 2004, creating a ‘garden
for all seasons’. It was renamed the Secret
Garden and five years on it has matured delight-
fully.
The Marlborough Maze
The Secret Garden is merely the most recent of
many projects showcasing the Duke of
Marlborough’s inspired means to retain the
magic at Blenheim Palace, and welcome a wide-
range of visitors through the gates. Some twen-
ty years ago, His Grace established a new hedge
maze (the second largest symbolic hedge maze
in the world at 1.8 acres), in a conscious effort to
provide an entertaining garden for the younger
visitors. It was particularly designed with ele-
ments of military symbolism celebrating the
career of his illustrious ancestor, John Churchill,
1st Duke of Marlborough and the victory for
which this great house was his reward. The maze
was constructed within the walls of the old
kitchen garden (the only part of Vanbrugh’s
original construction to survive), once planted
with espaliered fruit trees (pineapples, peaches,
melons, eight different varieties of grape), and
neat rows of vegetables, stocked by the royal
gardener, Henry Wise. Fruit and vegetables are
still grown within the grounds for the palace.
The Park and Rose Garden
At Blenheim the overriding legacy is ‘Capability’
Brown’s, and it is this setting which helped
Blenheim Palace gain its World Heritage Site sta-
Signpost - page 15
tus. The landscape setting he devised in the
1760s provided a sublime form of beauty and
harmony that every generation of the
Marlborough family has endeavoured to pre-
serve ever since. Glorious views were created
both to and from the house, the finest of which
is the majestic panorama observed on entering
the Park through Hawksmoor’s Triumphal Arch
at Woodstock - the shimmering expanse of the
lake, the Grand Bridge, and the dense canopy of
trees on the rising ground beyond. Although
Vanbrugh built the bridge, it was Brown who
provided a worthy setting by constructing a wide
cascade dam and creating a lake unparalleled in
size and beauty at the time. For a long period
Brown’s grassy landscape came right up to the
steps of the Palace and prevailed largely
untouched even though several smaller garden
schemes came and went. Of these only one
remains today, a circular Rose Garden created by
John Winston, 7th Duke, and restored by Trevor
Wood, the present Head Gardener.
The Italian Gardens and Water
Terraces
John Winston also returned a degree of formal-
ity to the east front when he laid out a symmet-
rical Italian Garden in the 1860s, which still
remains private, but can be seen from the raised
public walkway. In the early 20th century the 9th
Duke of Marlborough redesigned the Italian
The Rose Garden
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Garden on the advice of his French architect, “As the present guardian of this great estate, including
Achille Duche ne . Formal symmetrical scroll- more than 80 acres of formal gardens, I am conscious
work parterres in box and yew replaced the ear- that Blenheim Palace is not merely a residence for my
lier scheme of carpet bedding after a new family - its heritage, its scale and its beauty make it much
bronze fountain by the American sculptor, more. The only English stately home designated a World
Waldo Story, had been installed. These box- Heritage Site it is unique amongst country houses and
hedges are kept in pristine condition – each of remains, as intended, a national monument in an exqui-
them trimmed using spirit-levels, and string, as site setting,” The Duke of Marlborough.
well as many hours of dedicated hard work.
Telephone 01993 810500
Duche newas also responsible for the Water www.blenheimpalace.com
Terraces on the west front, inspired by both
Italian and French designs, creating a perfect link
between Vanbrugh’s baroque architecture and
the informality of the Brownian landscape. In a
vast engineering project undertaken from 1925-
30, different shapes and levels of water were
formed in each terrace, centred on an axis
between the building and the lake.
Signpost - page 16
 County Signpost
Kingston Bagpuize
House
The family home of Virginia Grant and her
children Elizabeth and Alexander, Kingston
Bagpuize House is open to the public on select-
ed days and for group visits throughout the year
on weekdays by appointment. Licenced for civil
ceremonies. The house and grounds are also
available for wedding receptions, corporate and
charity events and filming.
Originally built in the 1660’s the house was
remodelled in the early 1700’s in brick with stone
quoins and surrounds to the large Georgian style
windows. There is an elegant symmetry to all
sides of the house.
Signpost - page 17
www.countysignpost.co.uk
In 1995, with her husband Francis, Virginia
Grant began work on the restoration of the gar-
dens. Since 2003 two areas of woodland have
been restored and in February visitors to the
gardens can enjoy large areas of naturalized
snowdrops. Planting of new trees and shrubs
continues both to replace specimens lost and
also to extend the range of plants the visitor can
enjoy.
The tea room in the basement of the house
serves homemade teas on all open days as well
as morning coffee and lunches to groups by
appointment. Plants are available for sale in the
Herb Garden.
Telephone 01865 820259
www.kingstonbagpuizehouse.org.uk
Other County Signposts
available
The most prominent feature inside Kingston
Bagpuize House is the cantilevered staircase in
Scots pine and oak dating from the 18th century
remodeling. The well proportioned panelled
rooms have some good furniture and pictures.
The gardens as seen today were principally influ-
enced by Miss Marlie Raphael the owner from
1939 until 1976. She added to the existing for-
mal gardens by creating the Woodland Garden
and Shrub Border, planting many unusual
species of to trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs
including snowdrops give year round interest
and colour. A raised terrace walk leads to an
18th century pavilion with views both across the
lawns to the house and over the gardens.
www.countysignpost.co.uk
Signpost - page 18
 County Signpost
Ardington House
Built in 1720, Ardington House, Oxfordshire's
baroque masterpiece, is the private home of the
Baring family. On the edge of the Berkshire
Downs, a beautiful and tranquil oasis. Ardington
is different.
Enjoy the famous Imperial Staircase, relax in the
atmosphere of the oaked dining room, a
favourite with John Betjeman the Poet Laureate
who wrote of the homeliness and warmth there.
Mingle with guests in the glorious gardens over-
looking the small lake.
Ardington House is surrounded by manicured
lawns, terraced gardens, peaceful paddocks and
parkland. The astonishing mixture of history,
warmth and style you''ll find there truly does
place it in a class of its own.
Signpost - page 19
DIDCOT RAILWAY CENTRE
Didcot, Oxfordshire OX11 7NJ 01235 817200
info@didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk
Recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway with wonderfully restored steam
locomotives.
Featuring the original 1932 built GWR four road shed, in full working condition. With other
original GWR buildings and structures, including the coaling stage with 75,000 gallon water
tank atop. (both working) Also a country station, signal box, and transfer shed.
20 former GWR steam locomotives, including a working (on special occasions) replica broad
gauge (7 ft) locomotive, dating from 1840.
Learn about machines that changed the world, in the interactive Science, Learning and
Railways Exhibition
Over 40 mostly GWR coaches. Over 50 mostly GWR wagons. Four cranes. Carriage and
wagon works.
Working turntable, with demonstrations on steam days.
Special events include Thomas, & GWR175 events during 2010. Regular steam days during
the year. Open every weekend, and daily most school holidays. Telephone or refer to website
for details.
GWR small relics museum. Café. Shop. Picnic area.
Recreating the golden age of the Great Western Railway
Registered Charity No 272616
20
TH
YE
AR
Farm
l Red, Fallow, Sika and Axis deer.
Telephone 01235 821566 l Alpaca l Friendly Goats l Reindeer.
www.ardingtonhouse.com l Owl Collection l Pigs
l Ponies, Donkeys l Llama, Poultry.
l Farm walk through beautiful wooded
countryside by fast flowing streams.
l In/outdoor picnic places.
Country Matters
l Sculpture Trail of Myth and Magic.
l Toy and gift shops.
l Coffee shops (light hot and
cold meals).
Open 10.am to 5.30pm. Every day
(1st March - 31st October).
Telephone: 01299 841255
for further details.
HETB Gold Award Winner www.raysfarm.com
Signposted off the B4363 south of Billingsley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
Signpost - page 20
 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

Kelmscott Manor
Kelmscott Manor, a grade 1 listed farmhouse
adjacent to the River Thames, was built around
1600, with an additional wing added to the north
east corner about 1665. The Manor is built of
local limestone on the edge of the village of
Kelmscott.

William Morris chose it as his summer home,

signing a joint lease with the Pre-Raphaelite
painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti in the summer of
1871. Morris loved the house which, to him,
looked as if it had “grown up out of the soil”.
Its beautiful gardens, with barns, dovecote,
meadow and stream, provided a constant source
of inspiration.

The house – perhaps the most evocative of all

the houses associated with Morris – contains an
outstanding collection of the possessions and
works of Morris, his family and associates
(Benson, Burne-Jones, Rossetti and Webb
amongst them), including furniture, textiles, pic-
tures, carpets, ceramics and metalwork.

Telephone 01367 252486

www.kelmscottmanor.org.uk

Signpost - page 21 Signpost - page 22

 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

Didcot Railway Centre

175 years after it was incorporated by Act of
Parliament in 1835, the Great Western remains
Britain's best loved railway. It was built on a
heroic scale by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, with
a broad gauge, beautiful bridges and sumptuous
stations. It served some of the most scenic areas
of England and Wales and called itself The
Holiday Line. It invented the Cornish Riviera as
a tourist destination. In the early years of the
broad gauge its massive locomotives hauled pas-
sengers faster than humans had ever travelled
before. In the 20th century the GWR’s
Cheltenham Flyer was the world’s fastest train.
Its locomotive policy in the first half of the 20th
century was an object lesson in the benefits of
standardisation and evolutionary design. With
the end of steam on the horizon by the 1940s,
the GWR had built a fleet of diesel railcars and
experimented with gas turbine locomotives.
Today Didcot Railway Centre encapsulates the
long history of the GWR. The replica of the
1840 broad gauge locomotive Fire Fly offers an
experience of travel at the beginning of the rail-
way era. The collection of more than 20 stan-
dard gauge locomotives from the 1890s to the
1940s include many of the standard classes typ-
ified by tapered boilers, copper-capped chimneys
and Brunswick green paintwork. They are com-
pleted by Didcot’s preserved fleet of chocolate
and cream carriages. On a steamday you are
guaranteed a ride in vintage carriages from the
1930s or 1940s.
But Didcot is much more than a train ride. The
original engine shed, built 1932, is an exhibition
hall which displays locomotives in their authen-
tic surroundings. As the only complete GWR
locomotive depot that has survived, Didcot also
has a coal stage and turntable in working order.
Within the railway centre, buildings have been 1940 has been restored as an experience of that
brought from around the GWR system and re- dark era when the railways helped to ensure vic-
erected. These included two signal boxes, one of tory, but emerged so run down that nationalisa-
which is regularly opened with staff to explain tion was inevitable. In 1948 the GWR became
how semaphore signalling works. There is a pic- part of British Railways, but the brand is so
nic area where you can sit and watch the trains potent that the privatised train operating compa-
go past. ny has re-adopted the name Great Western.

The railway centre also includes a comprehen-
sive museum of small relics from the GWR.
These include the colourful posters which deco-
rated stations, an amazing variety of silverware,
glass and crockery used in restaurant cars in the
age of elegant dining, and the everyday items
crafted in brass or steel and marked with the
magic initials GWR.
An interactive Science, Learning and Railways
exhibition in two railway coaches explains the
theory of steam locomotion to young and not so
young visitors. The original air raid shelter from
Whether you want to be entertained, educated or
to admire engineering excellence, a visit to
Didcot Railway Centre is a great experience.
The entrance to Didcot Railway Centre is at
Didcot Parkway railway station on the London
to Bristol main line. For information about
events, please refer to our website, www.didco-
trailwaycentre.org.uk or telephone 01235
817200.

Signpost - page 23 Signpost - page 24

 County Signpost www.countysignpost.co.uk

Le Manoir
2009 celebrated the silver anniversary of Le
Manoir aux Quat' Saisons - the 15th century

aux Quat’ Saisons

manor house, which Raymond Blanc has pas-
sionately looked after for 25 years, fulfilling a
personal vision - to create a hotel and restaurant
where each and every guest discovers pure per-
fection - in food, comfort, service and welcome.
The 32-room hotel and restaurant, which since
opening in 1984, has achieved the highest awards
and accolades of any restaurant and country
house hotel in Great Britain is regarded as one
of the very best in Europe. The hotel now
matches the two Michelin star cuisine.

Blanc's edict is simple yet exacting - he believes

in excellence - it's as simple as that - and this phi-
losophy has been applied to each and everything
Blanc has put his hand to. One of the few
restaurants in the world to retain 2 Michelin stars
for 25 years, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
remains a Mecca for gourmets the world over. It
will come as no surprise then, that he has trained
25 Michelin starred chefs in as many years.

It is impossible to sum Raymond Blanc up in a

few paragraphs. He is a chef, an author, an
entertainer, a teacher and a pupil. Issues are
never too small or too large for him to be inter-
ested in or annoyed by. He is always eager to dis-
cover new ways to do things and communicate
established ways to reconnect with the world in
which we live. His admirers all agree that he has
worked tirelessly to bring respectability to the
industry but his first and last love is for Le
Manoir – which is a symbol of all that
is beautiful in life.

Blanc once said that living in the UK for

25 years made him a better Frenchman.
One can only dare to imagine how the
next 25 years will develop for Blanc and his
team.

For reservations telephone 01844 278881 or

email lemanoir@blanc.co.uk
www.manoir.com

Signpost - page 25 Signpost - page 26

 County Signpost
Cotswold Wildlife Park
and Gardens
Burford, Oxfordshire
Signpost - page 27
In 2010 the Cotswold Wildlife Park celebrates its
40th Anniversary. The Park first opened its gates
to the public on Good Friday 27th March l970;
the weather was fine and admission prices were
5 shillings for adults (25p) and 2 shillings for
children (10p).
Since then the Park has become a major attrac-
tion with one of the most diverse animal collec-
tions in the country, many of which are rare and
endangered, and plays an active role in numer-
ous important captive breeding programmes.
Visitors walk around the 140 acres of beautiful-
ly landscaped parkland and gardens to see
Asiatic lions, Leopards, a trio of young White
Rhinos, Bactrian camels and many more. Staff
Rhino girls
www.countysignpost.co.uk
at the Park is very excited at the prospect of the
arrival of giraffes later in the year.
The Walled Garden, once the kitchen garden for
the Manor House, has been transformed with
displays of exotic plants, tender perennials and is
the perfect setting for tropical birds, penguins
and smaller mammals including the ever-popular
meerkats. Here you will find the Tropical House
and, close by, be able to walk with lemurs in the
Madagascar enclosure.
The Park is open daily from 10am and many
families will spend a full day enjoying the relaxed
atmosphere, picnicking or eating in the large
self-service Oak Tree Restaurant, riding on the
train, and playing in the adventure playground.
Facilities are good with wheelchair access to all
Lemurs
the enclosures, free parking, Award winning toi-
Telephone 01993 823006
let blocks and Gift shop.
www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
The Park is a popular venue for school and
Situated on the A361 2.5 miles south of Burford
group visits and was the first wildlife park to be
(OX18 4JP)
awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom
Quality Badge.
Sifaka
Signpost - page 28
The Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean Museum © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Signpost - page 29 Signpost - page 30

 County Signpost
The ART FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD gallery, © Richard Bryant / arcaid.co.uk
Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum is the country’s
oldest public museum – probably the oldest
museum in the world – and home to one of the
most important collections of art and archaeol-
ogy to be found anywhere. Among its treasures
are the world’s largest group of Raphael draw-
ings, the most substantial collection of pre-
Dynastic Egyptian material in Europe, the only
significant Minoan collection in the UK, the
greatest Anglo-Saxon collections outside of the
British Museum, and the foremost collection of
modern Chinese art in the Western world.
In November 2009 it reopened to the public fol-
lowing a 10-month closure and a transformative
£61 million redevelopment. Behind the magnifi-
cent neo-classical façade, designed by Charles
Cockerell, now sits the new six-storey
Signpost - page 31
Ashmolean building, which has more than dou-
bled the Museum’s display space. The project
has been the country’s largest museum redevel-
opment in recent history and has turned the
Ashmolean into a museum for the 21st century.
The new building, designed by the award-win-
ning Rick Mather Architects has given the
Museum 39 new galleries; a spectacular atrium
with a cascading staircase rising over five floors;
a suite of temporary exhibition galleries; a new
Education Centre; state-of-the-art conservation
studios; and Oxford’s first rooftop restaurant.
The Museum’s collections have been entirely
redisplayed, with a new approach called Crossing
Cultures Crossing Time, which demonstrates the
interconnected nature of the world’s different
civilisations. New galleries explore the journey of
The cascading staircase lit at
night, © Andy Matthews
ideas between east and west and illustrate the
material culture of activities common to differ-
ent societies, such as reading and writing, money
and textiles.
Later this year the Ashmolean will inaugurate its
new program of blockbuster exhibitions, begin-
ning in September with The Pre-Raphaelites and
Italy. An exciting schedule of events, tours and
lectures is programmed throughout year, making
the Ashmolean a museum to return to time and
again.
Opening Times :Tuesday - Sunday 10 - 6 (closed
Mondays) Admission Free
Telephone 01865 278000
www.ashmolean.org
Portrait of the Artist Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael (1483-
1520), © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford
Signpost - page 32
 Oxford Castle -
Unlocked
If you thought Oxford was just about elegant
spires and world-class academia then think
again! Oxford Castle Unlocked reveals Oxford’s
less well known history, one that is rich with tales
of great escapes, betrayal and even romance - all
within the walls of the ancient castle and prison.
Nestled in the centre of the city, Oxford Castle
Unlocked exposes the stories about Oxford’s
past that have been locked inside for centuries –
a past that reaches as far back as 1071, when the
original castle was built for William the
Conqueror, to 1996 when the site was finally
relinquished and redeveloped. During these
eventful years the castle has been at the centre of
two civil wars, operated as the seat of county jus-
tice, and incarcerated thousands of prisoners
from highwaymen to Great Train Robbers!
Costumed character guides reveal the site’s 1000
year history as visitors climb the 101 steps of St.
George’s Tower for stunning panoramic views
over Oxford. The tour continues via an under-
ground tunnel to the atmospheric Castle Crypt
before heading up to learn about the original
18th Century D wing cells where visitors can
explore the rest of the prison at their own
leisure.
After your visit, the castle gift shop has an excel-
lent selection of Oxford souvenirs, jewellery and
gift ideas. What’s more, you don’t have to be vis-
iting the attraction to make the most of the bar-
gains that are on offer in the shop!
The attraction also boasts Café 1071 - both an
‘eat in’ and ‘take away’ service which offers a
good selection of homemade sandwiches, soup
and locally sourced cakes. Enjoy a cappuccino or
glass of wine looking across the Castleyard from
the full length glass oriel window. Or eat outside
on the terrace whilst soaking up the atmosphere
of the Tower and Mound.
The Castle hosts an impressive year round
events programme which includes its annual
Ghost Fest, Knight School, summer outdoor
Theatre and a German style Christmas Market.
Oxford Castle Unlocked is open daily from
10.00am (last tour 4.20pm).
For more information on tours and events,
please see www.oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk or
call 01865 260 666.

V I S I TO R AT T R A C T I O N

The Prison Warden takes his job seriously.

Upset him at your peril! VISIT TODAY!
Interactive tours of Castle and Prison

O P E N D A I L Y F R O M 10 A M
01865 260 666
w w w. o x f o r d c a s t l e u n l o c k e d . c o . u k