> Marshalls Home
Fritwell in the Elms the old books say, though alas most of the elms have gone
now. It is L-shaped, divided into two parts by the brook, the source of the
Little Ouse. The east—west road now runs to Somerton and crosses one of the few
stretches of the Portway that remains north of the Thames. A number of the
stone-built houses date back to 1636.
The church, situated by the village green at the northern end of the village, is
11th century, dedicated to St Olaf. It has many interesting features including a
fine tympanum with ball and chevron over the south door. Over the north door is
cable moulding ending in grotesque animal heads. There are traces of a small
monastery nearby.
The school opened in 1872 is still thriving and now serves five villages. May
Day used to be a big day in the school calendar. A king and queen elected by the
children paraded round the village, followed by the scholars singing traditional
songs and carrying a garland of spring flowers. After a scrumptious tea, the day
ended with dancing round the maypole. This event is still held each year, but
takes place at the school, as the village has become too big for the children to
visit each house.
The playing field was established in 1973. This is used mainly by the local
football team and has facilities for children. To get the field in good
condition a sponsored stone pick was organised.
After the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 when the whole village
united for a carnival day, it was decided to carry on the fun and have an annual
carnival, all organisations in the village participating.
In 1908 Rubio, owned by Mr Bletsoe of Dove House Farm and trained by Mr
Withington, won the Grand National horse race. Prior to the race, it was shod by
local blacksmith Mr Gibbs. The forge has now been replaced by a road of houses
called Forge Place.
Each end of the village had its own manor house. The older one at the southern
end is now Lodge Farm. The Elizabethan manor at the northern end dates from 1596
and is reputedly haunted. Sir John Simons (Chancellor of the Exchequer) lived
in this one during the 1930s. During the time he lived there, a magnificent
stone water tower was built which is still used, also a substantial villa in the
gardens along with a recreation hall.
Transport has changed, not for the better. In the 1930s buses ran from the
village garage to Banbury and Oxford very frequently and a good train service
existed from Fritwell and Somerton station. The carrier s cart went to Banbury
several times a week and the driver would make purchases and deliver them for a
small fee. Now buses run to Banbury and Bicester two days a week — very
infrequently, and the station is closed.
Click here
for a quote and to instruct your survey online
> Marshalls Home