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About Witney
History of Witney
The name Witney derives from the ēg or dry ground surrounded by marsh, belonging to Witta and his family. From earliest times sheep, wool and skins have contributed to the local economy thanks to the River Windrush and its water meadows. Witney appears as being held by the Bishop of Winchester in the Domesday survey of 1086 when its estimated population was between 250 and 300. The imposing St Mary’s church is largely 13th century, incorporating Norman and possibly Saxon predecessors. The early-12th-century stone palace adjoining the church was built in the 12th century mainly by William Giffard (bishop 1100-1129) and Henry de Blois (bishop 1129-1171), brother of King Stephen. Unusually for a town of its size and importance, Witney never had monastery or priory. By 1220 the High Street had extended as far as Bridge Street in a second building phase which included burgage plots which were considerably smaller than the earlier ones on Church Green. The focal point, as now, was the Butter Cross, erected on the site of an earlier preaching or market cross. It was roofed in about 1606 and the clock turret added by William Blake in 1683. Witney streets were paved 1820, and then lit 1830s. The National School opened 1856 and the railway arrived 1861; the Corn Exchange was built 1863 and in 1874 the town’s sewers went underground Witney was known for its number of non-Conformists who included mill-owners and cloth dealers and their influence was felt as late as the mid-20th century. The demand for blankets declined in the late-twentieth century due to central heating and the popularity of the duvet. The last mill, Witney Mill on the Burford Road, closed in July 2002. The various mill premises throughout the town have been converted for other use.
The basic outline of central Witney still reflects the planned town of Peter des Roches (bishop 1205-38), with its large market place which included Church Green. The 13th century deer park is commemorated by a modern housing development.
No record of a town charter survives; Witney was governed like a seigniorial borough under the Bishop and for a short while in the 14th century it was a parliamentary borough.
The market also dates back to 13th century. There was a shambles and butchers’ market until the early 19th century by which time the produce on sale was very mixed. The annual Witney Feast started in 1243 when the church was rededicated.
During the Middle Ages there were more than 300 houses suggests a population of at least a thousand residents. Due to demand for land, rents rose steadily and plots were subdivided. By 1360 there were complaints about building encroachment onto Church Green.
From the 16th century it was administered by a group of important parishioners under the jurisdiction of a borough court and so was self-governing. Many of these leading townspeople were cloth merchants.
In 17th century the specialisation in high-quality blankets began and reminders of the industry are still scattered throughout the town. Prominent families were the Earlys, Smiths, Marriotts, Townsends, Holloways and Blakes.
For further information please visit:
Working Together
Witney already has a great deal to offer residents and visitors alike. However, businesses, schools, transport companies and traders organisations are working with the local councils to add to that. The Witney Town Centre Forum meets regularly and has been instrumental in improving the town centre environment, and will continue to do so.
At different times of the year, you will find special promotions and events such as Witney Feast, Witney Carnival and the switching on of the Christmas Lights. We are looking to the future too, with a college development and extension to the Woolgate Centre’s shopping mix in addition to the now open Marriotts Walk shopping and leisure complex.
Shopping
Witney is a great place to shop. Our town centre is home to independent and specialist traders, several supermarkets and household name stores. With the new Marriotts Walk centre now open, there are now more reasons than ever to come to Witney.
There is a wide variety of fashion and specialist clothing retailers, footwear and accessory outlets, health and beauty shops, bars, restaurants and cafés alongside locally-farmed food, craft, toys, games and gift shops. Take a little extra time and go beyond the central area, the Market Square and the Woolgate Centre. Wander the full length of the High Street, Bridge Street and Corn Street or seek out the smaller shops and businesses in Waterloo Walk, Wesley Walk and Langdale Court, or alongside our beautiful Church Green. Stroll around, explore our quality shops and, from antiques to zoom lenses, we are confident that you’ll find what you want.
Car parking is free, subject to time limits... so you really can enjoy Witney.
Food and Drink
You are never far from quality food and drink in Witney. From a quick snack on the go to a slap-up, sit down meal, there’s lots to choose from. Why not grab a sandwich and enjoy the atmosphere of nearby Langel Common or enjoy the view across Church Green.
Whether you are looking for an evening meal or somewhere to drop in for a drink with friends, a place to stop for a coffee and cake while shopping or a business lunch, Witney has plenty to offer.
There are more than forty venues to choose from in Witney – pubs, coffee shops, bars, and a variety of restaurants – something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Markets
Every Thursday and Saturday, traditional market stalls offer a wide variety of goods and produce for sale in our Market Square.
A farmers’ market on the third Wednesday of every month, from 9am – 1pm, adds to the choice promoting local food for local people. All products for sale are grown, reared, caught, brewed, pickled, baked, smoked or processed locally by the individual stallholders. See Thames Valley Farmers Market website at: www.tvfm.org.uk
Sport and Leisure
As well as great shopping and places to eat and drink, Witney has plenty to offer for your leisure time… and there is something for all ages whether you like to sit and enjoy the view, walk in attractive countryside areas or work on your fitness.
The Windrush Leisure Centre has a swimming pool, squash courts, a large studio, gym with first class fitness suite and a sports hall suitable for badminton, basketball, indoor football and much more. Call 01993 202020 for further information. Langel Common runs between the River Windrush and Cogges. Explore the Country Park and you will find a large lake and nature reserve there. Other popular open areas include The Leys and Church Green. The Leys, on the town’s southern side, is a big open space with a wide range of sports facilities: cricket and football pitches, a bowling green, tennis courts and a children’s playground, which features a children’s paddling pool in the summer.
Useful Contacts
Find out more information about the town at:
Visitor Information Centre
Welch Way
or call 01993 775802
West Oxfordshire District Council
www.westoxon.gov.uk
01993 861000
Witney Chamber of Trade & Commerce
www.otcn.co.uk/witney_chamber.htm
01993 779954
Witney Town Council
www.witney-tc.gov.uk
01993 704379
Oxfordshire Cotswolds Visitor Information
www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org
01993 775802
Thames Valley Police
www.thamesvalley.police.uk
0845 8 505505
Abingdon & Witney College
www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk
01993 703464
Selected pictures courtesy of
www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org