An unready King and an Earl

Tuesday, 05 April 2011 18:53

Both were part of the history of Eynsham. However the first settlers were from the Bronze Age, 3,000 years ago. The Anglo Saxons took a fancy to the area too and Aethelred (the "unready" King) called a meeting of influential English men at "Eanham" in 1008. He had a bit of trouble with the Vikings - some say he was ill-advised rather than unready!

They probably met at the Abbey, founded by the Earl of Cornwall, Aethelmar, in 1005. The Abbey was Benedictine and Aelfric the Abbot and situated on the slopes down to the River Thames. The Cornish connection means that perhaps we should be flying our flag!

Abbey Street, Eynsham

Nothing remains of the Abbey but a Heritage Trail. Abbey Street was the main road of the time leading south to Stanton Harcourt. The stones were used in many of the village buildings .....

The Sunday Market was controlled by the Abbot as was most of the land in Eynsham and further afield in Oxfordshire.

Market Square

One of the abbots fancied himself as a property developer, creating fishponds south of the Abbey and a "new town" to the North: New Land. He over-extended Abbey funds and was deposed. However Newland Street is his legacy.

The White Hart in Newland Street (Eynsham's oldest domestic dwelling)

Talking pubs - Eynsham has a number! The Red Lion next to the 13th century St Leonard's Church is the oldest. It was known for cockfights and auctions. Sadly other of the ancient taverns have disappeared.

The Red Lion and church

Also in the Market Square is a replica Market Cross; the original, much deteriorated one is in store. Apparently market crosses were erected to remind the traders to deal fairly "before God". Perhaps we need a few more of these around today!

The Bartholomew Room, also in Market Square was the market hall - the arches still remain. It has served as a jail, fire station and library and is now a meeting and exhibition building.

Bartholomew Room

The Old Malthouse (1820) was built for the then owner of Eynsham Mill - downstream on the River Evenlode - a paper mill dating from 1682.

The Old Malthouse

There are a few thatched houses in the village - a devastating fire in the mid 1800s destroyed many, but this one remains opposite the Malthouse.

Cobden

I took the photo below mainly for the magnolia and then discovered that Lord's Farm dates from the later 17th century and is now in the care of the Oxford Preservation Trust.

My visit to Eynsham was on a very quiet, overcast day and I am sure that the 67 listed buildings must look lovely in the sun! If you follow the last link you will find much more about the town, its heritage and buildings. Coming right up to date - there is a post office, Co-Op, butchers, bakers and "Emporium" to explore too!