Witney, a Thriving Market Town on the River Windrush in Oxfordshire, England
Witney, a market town on the River Windrush is the largest town in the Oxfordshire Cotswold which has rapidly grown in the last 50 years. The town’s history can be traced back to AD969, but there are some marks or evidence that the place was settled as far back as the Iron Age and the time of the Romans. The name of the town appeared the 1086 Domesday Book as “Witenie,” which means “Witta’s island.”
Food, Shopping and accommodation in Witney
Witney has an interesting mix of shops, from the large chains to the numerous independent shops around town. Some of the large chains are Jones Bootmaker, WH Smith, Argos, Waterstones and Curry’s. Two of the independent shops that offer unique and hard-to-find items are the Old Pill Factory and the Rapture.
The architectural style of accommodation in this town is a reflection of its historical lineage. There are hotels, inns or pubs housed in ancient buildings, but there are also B&Bs and self-catering accommodation set in modern buildings with all the conveniences and perks.
Things to See and Do in Witney
A tour of the Wychwood Brewery is a popular thing to do while in Witney. It is a guided tour with a Hobgoblin at the end of the tour. Other places of interest in this town would be the Manor Farm museum found along the Chadbury road which also leads to one of the town’s most preserved streets, West End. The Lake and Meadows, which is only a short walk away from the town centre is also worth a visit for its wildlife, as well as the Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote.
An example of a medieval shopping scene is the Buttercross located inside the market square. It is a medieval meeting and marketing place where women used to gather to sell their produce such as egg and butter. Across the market, the square is the 17th Century town hall. The market square expanded to include Church Green which has an imposing 13th-century tower and spire.