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About five miles east of Oxford lies the village of Garsington. It is mentioned
in the Domesday Book but its origins date back well before that time.
The lovely parish church of St Mary, situated on a hill top, is visible for many
miles around. The site commands magnificent views. The Norman tower of the
church is the oldest part dating back to 1160, the nave and chancel having been
added later in the 13th century.
Garsington boasts many splendid houses of historic value. Although dating back
to the early 16th century many appear little changed from the time of
construction. The most famous of these is the manor house built about 1625.
Prior to that time, however, it is said that such a house was built on the site
as early as the 13th century.
The present manor is thought to be one of the most beautiful of the smaller
period houses throughout Oxfordshire, set in superb grounds which are open to
the public two or three times a year. The garden incorporates two yew hedges
which are said to be the highest in England.
During the First World War when Philip Morrell, who was the MP for Oxfordshire
South, and Lady Ottoline took up residence, the manor became much celebrated.
Firstly for its use as a refuge for conscientious objectors and later because of
the many famous people entertained there, among them Bertrand Russell, Aldous
Huxley, D. H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf. A small two-storey cottage contained
within the manor grounds, known as the Bakehouse or Monastery Cottage, was used
by artist friends.
Another prominent building, a Tudor Gothic-style school house was opened to its
first pupils in 1840 and was used until a modern primary school was built nearby
in 1982. The old school house still stands resplendent in the centre of the
village and in spite of being converted and modernised for dwelling purposes,
the exterior is little changed.
Near the end of the old school wall stands a medieval village cross, recorded in
1240. A new head and shaft was needed but the base has survived the passage of
time. This cross held pride of place on the village green many years ago, but
the green is now sadly depleted.
The Gizzle, meaning a field or spring-fed pond, should surely be mentioned.
Until modern pumping equipment was installed, many people from the village drew
water from the Gizzle in buckets, using wooden yokes to carry it home. Recently
cared for by the Garsington Scout troop, it is a pleasant corner to rest awhile,
if rather tucked away. It can be approached via a footpath from the church or by
road passing the manor.
With regard to footpaths, it is said that Garsington has probably more than any
other Oxfordshire village. The fields are criss-crossed with them, probably due
to the fact that during the 19th century many of the villagers earned their
living on the land with so many farms and market gardens nearby. Some of the old
stones, placed upright as stiles, can still be seen.
The major landowner in the village is still the University of Oxford.
Whilst farming dominated, a flourishing brick works at Kiln Farm was started
about the middle of the 19th century. This provided alternative employment for
the villagers and as well as being used locally, the bricks were transported to
other nearby villages.
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