|
 |
Bampton, Oxfordshire
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
The small Oxfordshire market town of Bampton has a long history. It was known for many years as 'Bampton in the Bush', because it was located in the centre of a large expanse of common land. The town dates to the Saxon era, and by the time of the Norman Conquest it was the third largest town in Oxfordshire. Its early prominence was based upon salt mining but even better times were ahead; during the medieval period Bampton grew and prospered enormously from the booming wool trade.
In 1255 a second market was established, along with an annual fair. The town declined after the Black Death, and it was not until the burgeoning leather trade took off in the 17th and 18th centuries that Bampton regained its former status. The town was a centre for the production of gloves, breeches, and jackets, and was a major market for the area.
Bampton is an extremely pretty town, with many of the buildings constructed of golden-coloured local Cotswold stone. Quite a few historic buildings remain, including several thatched cottages. The town is also known for its Morris Dancing heritage, with regular performances of this tradition art. The attractive town hall is a Grade II listed building which houses the West Oxfordshire Art Gallery (otherwise known as West Ox Arts).
The parish church of St Mary dates to 1153, although there is evidence of an earlier Saxon building in the stonework of the west tower. A lovely spire was added to the tower in the 13th century. There are also a fine array of grotesques, or gargoyles, around the eaves of the nave and chancel. Within the church is a beautifully carved stone rood screen dating from around 1400, and, nearby, an effigy of a knight, believed to be Sir Gilbert Talbot (b. 1390), of Bampton Castle. A few steps away from the church is Bampton Library, which is housed in a lovely Elizabethan listed building.
There was a castle at Bampton, though its origins are not clear. One version is that it dates to the reign of King Stephen, when Stephen's nemesis, Matilda, built a fortification here. Another version of events is that Bampton Castle was built by Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke around 1314. In either case the castle no longer exists; it was destroyed in 1789, though parts of it were incorporated into Ham Court. The site can be viewed off the A4095 at the south west corner of town.
Bampton,
Oxfordshire,
England
About Bampton
Attraction Type: Town
Location: At the junction of the A4095 and B4449 about 6 miles south of Witney
Location
map
Bampton Photos
OS SP320046
Heritage Highlight: The 12th century church of St Mary contains vestiges of Saxon stonework.
Heritage Rating:  ?
Photos of Bampton
Town Hall |
Bampton Library |
St Mary church |
See all Bampton Photos
Nearest Accommodation to Bampton
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 No 9 Llanteglos Estate -
6.7
miles from Bampton
Llanteg, Dyfed
Sleeps: 6
Stay from: £340 |
 Daisy Cottage -
7.2
miles from Bampton
Stanford in the Vale, Oxfordshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £280 |
 No 3 Kent Place -
7.3
miles from Bampton
Lechlade, Gloucestershire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £250 |
|
More
Self Catering near Bampton
More Hotels near Bampton
More
bed and breakfasts near Bampton
Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Witney
Tourist Information Centre
26a Market Square
Witney
Oxfordshire
England
OX28 6BB
Tel: 01993 775802
Fax: 01993 709261
Email: witney.vic@westoxon.gov.uk
Map
OS Maps
+
Get an
OS map centred on Bampton
+
Related information
+ Search Britain
Express for more Information about Bampton
or Oxfordshire
+
|
|
UK Ordnance Survey
Maps |
 Every
OS map including
Landranger, Explorer, and new Right to Roam. Free UK post and Up to 36% Discount on OS Maps! |
|
|
