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Souldern is a small village of less than 200 houses situated some seven miles
north of Bicester in the very north of Oxfordshire, and just half a mile from
the Northamptonshire border. Being a cul-de-sac village it is fairly peaceful
and quiet and has a close-knit community, some families having lived there for
200300 years. In more recent years, the character of the village has changed
with the influx of commuters and retired people.
In earlier times Souldern was known as Sulthorn because of the many thorn trees
which grew there. The first recorded burial is that of William de Say in 1161,
the parish church of St Mary having been built by the de Say family a few years
previously. During the Civil War, when the king was stationed in Oxford,
Souldern suffered badly from the marauding bands of Parliamentary troops, about
20,000 of them being camped in the area.
Most of the houses are built of stone, some being large family homes. There is a
constant supply of spring water which feeds the village pond, formerly the old
town well. There is also a second well known as St Chads Well.
Souldern is fortunate in having its own village hall, which was largely built by
public subscription and many local events take place there and on the adjoining
sports ground.
In 1986 a group of residents, spurred on by the Parish Council, formed a
committee to plan and organise the planting of a harmony wood on the outskirts
of the village. Since then more adjoining land has become available and
extensions have been made to the wood. This is a favourite walk for local
people, as indeed are the many public footpaths and bridleways in the area. With
the planting of the wood an ancient custom was revived Oak Apple Day. On
this special day in May the locals picnic in the wood and the families join
together and have a pleasant afternoon. Another annual event is the show
organised by the Horticultural Society.
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